ASHEVILLE, NC – A North Carolina woman has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting her boyfriend in the midst of a heated argument related to a custody dispute.

Jessica Barnes Ferland, 41, was ordered by Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant to serve between 10 years and just over 13 years behind bars for the death of 26-year-old Jaquan Devaughen Bowen. The court imposed a sentence of 125 to 157 months in a state correctional facility after Ferland accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder.

The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on October 3, 2024, in a West Asheville neighborhood. Police were dispatched to a home on Laurel Loop after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Bowen with a critical gunshot wound to the head. Authorities say Ferland, who was Bowen’s girlfriend, was found trying to stop the bleeding with paper towels while emergency services were called to the scene.

First responders attempted lifesaving measures before Bowen was rushed to Mission Hospital. Despite efforts by medical staff, Bowen succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead the following day.

Investigators determined that the shooting occurred following a dispute between Ferland and Bowen. The pair had reportedly been drinking that evening when a quarrel erupted over Bowen’s involvement in Ferland’s ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband. Bowen had recently prepared a statement supporting Ferland’s ex-husband, which challenged Ferland’s parenting.

During the altercation, Ferland retrieved a .22-caliber revolver, reportedly in an attempt to threaten Bowen. According to authorities, Ferland pointed the gun at Bowen and pulled the trigger, but the weapon initially did not fire. As Bowen reacted, Ferland fired a second time, and this time the gun discharged, striking Bowen in the temple.

After the gunshot, Ferland immediately dialed 911 and remained at the residence until officers arrived. During questioning, she told detectives that the shooting was unintentional and that her actions were only meant to express her distress over the custody issues.

Ferland’s defense attorney argued that his client believed the antique revolver was not loaded when she pulled the trigger. He contended that Ferland’s state of mind at the time was influenced by emotional turmoil and alcohol use.

The case against Ferland began as a charge of first-degree murder. However, the District Attorney’s office agreed to reduce the charge to second-degree murder following discussions with the victim’s family and a review of the circumstances.

The sentence brings a measure of closure to a tragedy that stemmed from a combination of personal conflict, alcohol, and the presence of a firearm in a volatile situation. Ferland will serve her sentence in a North Carolina correctional facility, with the possibility of parole only after she completes the minimum term.