Martin Dexter Penny

Martin Dexter Penny was a 29-year-old Black man whose life was cut short on the night of August 1, 2020, in Raleigh, North Carolina. At approximately 10:43 p.m., officers with the Raleigh Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on the 1400 block of Beauty Avenue, just off Rock Quarry Road. Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Penny suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to WakeMed hospital, but he died from his injuries.

Following the shooting, police launched a homicide investigation. More than a month later, in September 2020, authorities arrested 26-year-old Allen Jhalil Williams in connection with the case. Williams was taken into custody off Glenwood Avenue and was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The case against Allen Jhalil Williams proceeded to trial, where he was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. A judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison for his role in Mr. Penny’s death.

Williams later appealed the verdict. In a subsequent decision, the North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and remanded the case, ordering a new trial. The case is now pending further legal proceedings. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 834-4357.