Koran Brown, a 32-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for the murder of Cynthia Barringer. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Brown admitted guilt to second-degree murder while armed in November 2024 at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
The incident occurred during an argument between Brown and Ms. Barringer around 3:45 pm at her apartment located at 2312 Green Street, S.E. During this altercation, Brown shot Ms. Barringer in the head with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and subsequently set fire to the bedroom where the shooting took place before fleeing the scene.
Brown's movements were captured on surveillance video as he left the building and later arrived at a family member's residence, where he discarded his blood-stained t-shirt along with the murder weapon. These items were discovered during a search warrant execution and DNA testing confirmed links to both Brown and Ms. Barringer.
In delivering their announcement, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith praised the investigative efforts by members of MPD as well as those involved from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity and Victim/Witness Advocate Latrice Washington Williams. Recognition was also given to former Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Rickard alongside Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana Joseph and Andrea Antonelli for their roles in investigating and prosecuting this case.