Jury Convicts Keon Pernell of First-Degree Murder
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A North Carolina man got the ultimate reality check — life behind bars with no chance of parole.
On December 12, 2025, a Gaston County jury found 27-year-old Keon Latroy Pernell guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 38-year-old Cherie Shavon Ingram. After a two-week trial, Judge Gregory Hayes wasted no time handing down a life sentence without parole, making it clear Pernell will never see freedom again.
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Back in October 2020, Pernell was accused of stabbing Ingram outside a convenience store in Roanoke Rapids. Despite facing an attempted murder charge, he managed to post bond. Just months later, Pernell and Ingram traveled together to Gastonia in March 2021.
The last confirmed sighting of Ingram came on March 27, 2021, when she was seen with Pernell at a Gastonia bar. Days later, she vanished.
Ingram was officially reported missing on April 7. Not long after, investigators made a grim discovery — her remains were found dumped in a wooded area near Broad Street. Authorities determined she had been stabbed multiple times, and evidence pointed straight back to Pernell.
Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page said the verdict sends a powerful message.
“Today a Gaston County jury delivered a resounding message to survivors of and families affected by domestic violence, District Attorney Travis Page said.“You are heard, you are seen, and your community will fight for you. Our office remains relentless in our pursuit of justice, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute violent offenders. We thank the jury for their service and their commitment to following the facts of this case and the rule of law, and we will continue to support the family of Cherie Ingram and all families of homicide victims.”
