The man who was arrested for a murder outside of a Danville convenience store has pleaded guilty. The homicide occurred on April 17, 2025 outside of the Airport Mart Exxon at 1385 South Boston Rd.

Jaelynn Lowen, 21, has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and two counts of weapons charges.

When Danville Police responded they found the store owner, Pinakin Patel, 47, suffering from gunshot wounds. Patel was transported to SOVAH Danville where he was later pronounced dead.

Patel followed Lowen out of the store to try to keep him from leaving after his purchase didn’t go through. Lowen then shot Patel.

Lowen fled the scene and was arrested in Louisiana three days later. Keontae Tarpley, 21, was also arrested after the homicide for giving Lowen a ride to the Burlington area after the shooting. Tarpley was charged with accessory after the fact.

Lowen is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16.