Buncombe County -- February 7, 2026: Jessica Barnes Ferland pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Jaquan Bowen in Western North Carolina. The plea agreement avoids a trial and outlines the potential sentencing Ferland faces, bringing the legal process closer to conclusion for Bowen's family.
The shooting occurred on October 3, 2024, at approximately 12:34 a.m. on Laurel Loop in West Asheville, North Carolina. Ferland, 41, and Bowen, 26, were in a relationship and argued on her porch about a custody dispute involving her children. The dispute centered on an affidavit Bowen had written supporting Ferland's ex-husband's custody case, which questioned her parenting abilities. Both had consumed alcohol at the time.
During the confrontation, Ferland retrieved a .22-caliber pistol and pointed it at Bowen's head to intimidate him. The weapon initially dry-fired, and Bowen shrugged in response. Ferland then pulled the trigger a second time, and the gun discharged, striking Bowen in the temple. Ferland told investigators the shooting was accidental and that she did not intend to kill Bowen but wanted him to take her seriously and understand her grief over losing custody of her children.
After the shooting, Ferland immediately sought help and remained at the scene. Bowen was transported to Mission Hospital with life-threatening injuries and succumbed to his injuries on October 4, 2024.
The Asheville Police Department initially charged Ferland with first-degree murder following Bowen's death. However, the plea agreement to the lesser charge of second-degree murder was reached after consultation with Bowen's family. Judge Jacqueline Grant sentenced Ferland in Buncombe County Superior Court. Ferland was sentenced to 125 to 157 months (approximately 10 to 13 years) in prison.
Pursuant to the North Carolina Crime Victims' Rights Act, Bowen's family was kept informed throughout the prosecution and expressed their agreement with the prison sentence and case resolution. Ferland faces 10 to 13 years in prison.
WNCTimes