Christian Peart was also granted permission to attend the funeral of his twin brother, who died during the alleged robbery attempt.
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Wake County judge lowered bond for two 18-year-old defendants accused in a robbery case that ended with one defendant’s twin brother fatally shot, while allowing Christian Peart to attend his brother’s funeral as the investigation continues.
The court appearance marked the latest turn in a case that began Monday night with a large police response in northeast Raleigh. Prosecutors said Christian Peart and another defendant were involved in a planned robbery that led to gunfire, a vehicle crash and the death of Christopher Peart, Christian’s 18-year-old twin. Raleigh police later filed robbery-related charges against Christian Peart and the second defendant.
Christian Peart’s parents were among about a dozen people who attended his arraignment, according to ABC11. Defense attorney Sonya Whitaker told the court that members of the family had come to the courthouse from a funeral home, where they were making arrangements for Christopher Peart. Whitaker told the judge that her client was grieving the loss of his twin while being held in jail.
Prosecutor Patrick McCracy described the state’s account of the confrontation during the hearing. He said the person whom authorities describe as the intended robbery victim told investigators he tried to drive away after the attempted robbery began. According to that account, shots were fired at his vehicle, he crashed, got out and fired back. Christopher Peart was struck and later died from his injuries, prosecutors said.
Police had initially responded to the 4300 block of Foxhound Road shortly after 7 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of a shooting. Officers found Christopher Peart dead and launched a search using K-9 teams and drones. Investigators also found a crashed vehicle with damaged windows, and numerous evidence markers were placed along the roadway as officers processed the scene.
Investigators later said Christian and Christopher Peart had arranged to meet a person they intended to rob. Police said an 18-year-old third defendant helped coordinate the alleged plan. The latest ABC11 court report identifies that defendant as Chance Ince, while earlier ABC11 and WRAL reports identified him as Chase Ince. Authorities have accused him of conspiracy in connection with the planned robbery.
Christian Peart was arrested Wednesday and accused of attempted robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy in connection with the robbery and discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle. The other defendant was arrested on a conspiracy charge. The charges are accusations, and the defendants have not been convicted.
The Wake County District Attorney’s Office has said it does not plan to pursue charges against the man described by police as the intended robbery victim in connection with Christopher Peart’s death. Police said the man cooperated with investigators. Authorities have not publicly identified him in the reports reviewed for this story.
During the court hearing, the judge reduced bond for both defendants. ABC11 did not report the revised bond amounts. The judge ordered that either defendant who is released remain under house arrest. Christian Peart was also given permission to attend his brother’s funeral, which ABC11 reported is scheduled for the following Saturday.
The case has drawn attention beyond the courtroom. Kimberly Muktarian, president of the community organization Save Our Sons, attended the hearing and said the death added to concerns about shootings involving young people in Raleigh. She urged city leaders to treat the issue as a crisis and make violence involving youths a greater priority.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said the case remains under investigation. Police have not announced additional charges, and authorities have not said whether investigators expect further arrests as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting and alleged robbery.
Author note: Last updated November 6, 2026.