Rashid Ali Bynum killed Eunice Dwumfour in 2023 ambush outside her apartment complex in Sayreville
A Virginia man convicted of murdering a New Jersey pastor and city councilwoman outside her home was sentenced to life in prison Monday, bringing closure to a case that shocked the close-knit Nigerian religious community.
Rashid Ali Bynum, 31, of Portsmouth, Virginia, appeared in a packed New Brunswick courtroom filled with relatives and friends of victim Eunice Dwumfour. His attorney, Michael Ashley, announced plans to appeal the murder and weapons convictions handed down by a jury in June following a month-long trial.
The Ambush Attack
Dwumfour, 30, was gunned down on February 1, 2023, as she arrived home at her apartment complex in Sayreville, a central New Jersey town where she served as a city council member. Prosecutors said Bynum shot her 14 times in what they described as an ambush-style attack while she sat in her vehicle.
The young pastor was deeply involved in Champions Royal Assembly, a Nigerian church, and had recently married a fellow pastor in Abuja, Nigeria, just weeks before her death. Her dual role as both a religious leader and elected official made her a prominent figure in the community.
Complex Relationship History
Court testimony revealed a complicated relationship between Bynum and Dwumfour that began years earlier in Virginia. Prosecutors said Dwumfour had recruited Bynum into Champions Royal Assembly and a Bible study organization she founded called Fire Congress Fellowship when both lived in Virginia.
The relationship deepened when Bynum moved to Sayreville, where he lived with Dwumfour and her child for a period. Dwumfour frequently stayed with other church members in the New Jersey town, creating an extended religious community, according to authorities.
However, the relationship eventually soured, leading Bynum to return to Virginia before the fatal shooting. Prosecutors have not disclosed a specific motive for the murder, leaving questions about what triggered the deadly violence.
Trial and Conviction
During the trial, Ashley argued there was no direct evidence linking his client to the shooting, according to the Courier News. Despite these claims, jurors found the evidence sufficient to convict Bynum on all charges after deliberating the case that had captured regional attention.
The conviction provided some measure of justice for Dwumfour’s family and the Nigerian-American religious community that had embraced both the victim and, initially, her killer. The case highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by religious leaders who open their communities to those seeking spiritual guidance.
Community Impact
Dwumfour’s death sent shockwaves through multiple communities she served. As a Sayreville city council member, she was known for her civic engagement and commitment to local issues. Her work with Champions Royal Assembly and Fire Congress Fellowship demonstrated her dedication to spiritual mentorship and community building.
The tragic irony that her killer was someone she had personally recruited into her religious community added another layer of grief for those who knew her. Friends and family members who packed the courtroom for sentencing represented the broad impact of her life and work.
Booking Photo of Rashid Ali Bynum of Portsmouth, Va
Legal Proceedings Continue
While Bynum faces life imprisonment, the legal process continues with the planned appeal. Ashley has maintained his client’s innocence, though he did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the sentencing.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by community leaders who work to help others, particularly in religious contexts where trust and openness are fundamental values. Dwumfour’s willingness to mentor Bynum and welcome him into her community ultimately led to her death.
For Dwumfour’s family and the communities she served, the life sentence represents accountability for a senseless crime that cut short a promising life dedicated to service. However, questions about motive may linger as the appeal process unfolds, leaving some aspects of this tragedy unresolved.
The sentencing marks the end of the criminal trial phase but begins a new chapter of healing for those affected by Dwumfour’s death. Her legacy of community service and religious devotion continues through the organizations she founded and the lives she touched during her brief but impactful career in public service and ministry.
