GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County jury on Friday convicted Keon Latroy Pernell of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of 38-year-old Cherie Shavon Ingram.
Judge Gregory Hayes sentenced Pernell to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ingram’s body was found in a wooded area near Broad Street in Gastonia, and she had been stabbed multiple times, according to the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office.
Pernell had a prior history with Ingram. He was accused in October 2020 of attempted first-degree murder for stabbing her outside a convenience store in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County. He posted bond in that case.
In March 2021, Pernell accompanied Ingram to Gastonia. She was last seen with him at a bar on March 27, 2021, and reported missing on April 7, 2021. Her remains were later located and positively identified in Gastonia.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Megan Rhoden and Zach Holeve. Ingram’s family attended the proceedings but chose not to speak publicly at sentencing. Rhoden highlighted their commitment, noting that they traveled from out of state to ensure justice was served.
“Today a Gaston County jury delivered a resounding message to survivors of and families affected by domestic violence. You are heard, you are seen, and your community will fight for you,” said District Attorney Travis Page. “Our office remains relentless in our pursuit of justice and will continue to aggressively prosecute violent offenders.”
This conviction underscores Gaston County’s continued commitment to prosecuting domestic violence and violent crimes.
