Man convicted in death of brother, shooting of sister-in-law

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Louis Pender

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A jury convicted a 57-year-old man Friday afternoon on one count of manslaughter with a weapon, one count of attempted second-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In May 2013, Louis Pender notified police that he shot his brother, Ernest Pender Jr., and sister-in-law, Balarie Pender, inside his L'Engle Street home. When officers arrived, they found Ernest Pender, 58, dead in the living room.

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While discussing a family issue, Louis Pender shot his brother while he was seated on the living room sofa. Balarie Pender, 58, who was also shot, crawled out of a bedroom window and was able to run to a neighbor's house for help. She has recovered from her injuries.

Pender now faces life in prison. His sentencing date will be set on Monday.