Raleigh Police Arrest Two in Deadly Attempted Home Invasion, Link Suspects to Rape Case

RALEIGH, N.C. – A violent attempted home invasion in Raleigh has ended with one man dead and two others facing a long list of charges, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Police say the suspects, now in custody, may also be connected to other violent crimes in Wake County.

Incident Details

On August 18, 2025, officers with the Raleigh Police Department responded to a shooting in the 6600 block of Lake Hill Drive around 4:57 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Julian David Kent, 25, suffering from a gunshot wound. Kent later died from his injuries after being shot by his own accomplices during the attempted home invasion.

Police quickly identified and arrested two suspects: Cincere Henry Pugh, 20, and Javan Ryan Smith, 19, who are now being held on a wide range of charges.

Charges Against the Suspects

Javan Ryan Smith faces:

• Murder
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (2x)
• Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• First Degree Rape
• First Degree Kidnapping
• Forcible Sex Offense
• Multiple robbery-related charges

Cincere Henry Pugh faces:

• Murder
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (2x)
• Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• First Degree Rape
• Forcible Sex Offense (3x)
• Multiple robbery-related charges

Both suspects also face additional charges out of Knightdale related to an incident on August 17–18.

Link to Knightdale and Raleigh Rape Case

Investigators revealed that Kent and Smith were also involved in a rape reported on Falls of Neuse Road on August 3, 2025. A third suspect, a 17-year-old juvenile, was arrested in that case and will be charged as an adult.

Police confirmed that the three men were connected to both the Knightdale incident and the attempted home invasion on Lake Hill Drive.

Chief Boyce Responds

Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson Boyce called the investigation a stark reminder of the dangers of violent crime:

“The loss of life is something no parent or friend should ever have to face, regardless of the cause. Violent crime will not be tolerated in our city. This should serve as a warning to anyone who seeks to harm others—the Raleigh Police Department will do everything in its power to hold criminals accountable.”

Chief Boyce also praised the teamwork of Raleigh PD detectives and the Knightdale Police Department for their efforts.

Ongoing Investigation

Police urge anyone with information to contact the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or submit an anonymous tip through Raleigh CrimeStoppers at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters could receive up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.