.png)
Shooter apprehended in New York and Attempted to Intimidate Witnesses from Jail
UPPER MARLBORO, MD (November 30, 2021) – Today, 20-year-old Tavon Barnes was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years after being found guilty by a jury for the first degree murder of Abdul Thomas during a shooting in 2018.
During a two-week trial, a Prince George’s County jury heard evidence that Barnes used a semi-automatic handgun to kill the Thomas (age 18), who was found in an apartment building stairwell suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Witness testimony established that Barnes shot the victim during the course of a drug transaction and fled the scene. Further, the State presented DNA evidence confirming Barnes’ identity at the scene. After the murder, Barnes fled to New York where he was later arrested and extradited in January 2019. During his detention and while awaiting trial, Barnes made several incriminating recorded telephone calls proving his attempts to intimidate eyewitnesses and prevent them from testifying in court.
During the sentencing hearing, the family of the victim expressed their sadness for the loss of the victim and the devastating impacts of gun violence.
“I hope that today’s sentence puts the loved ones of Mr. Barnes’ victim at ease knowing that he will never be allowed to set foot on the streets of Prince George’s County again,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. “I congratulate the prosecutor and investigators on this case for their hard work to ensure that we achieved justice for Mr. Thomas and his family.