Virginia man sentenced to life for murder of New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour

A judge sentenced Rashid Ali Bynum, 31, of Virginia, to life in prison Monday for murdering Sayreville, New Jersey Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour in 2023.

Details: Rashid Ali Bynum sentenced for the murder of New Jersey Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour

The sentencing followed a June conviction in which a jury found Bynum guilty of first-degree murder and two weapons offenses. Dwumfour, 30, was shot multiple times while seated in her SUV at her apartment complex in Sayreville’s Parlin section on Feb. 1, 2023.

Prosecutors presented cellphone records, DNA evidence, and eyewitness testimony linking Bynum to the crime. A Glock 19 handgun recovered from Bynum’s girlfriend’s home contained his DNA and matched bullet casings found at the scene. Surveillance footage and rental car records placed Bynum in New Jersey at the time of the killing.

How the two knew each other

Dwumfour, a pastor and the borough’s first Black elected official, had known Bynum through her church. Ali briefly lived at the church until church leaders asked him to leave. The prosecution did not disclose a motive during the trial.

In a courtroom filled with family and supporters, Dwumfour’s loved ones applauded as Bynum was led away. Her husband, Ezechukwu Peter Akwue, shared a video of her headstone days before sentencing, remembering her as a devoted wife, mother, and public servant.

Bynum’s attorney has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.