UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — A 22-year-old man from Upper Marlboro has been sentenced for the murders of Jovan Hill and Tariq Riley, which took place in July 2021 in northwest Washington, D.C.

Jalen Browne was convicted and sentenced for two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and six counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. According to evidence presented in court, Browne disguised himself and opened fire on a group of young men in a parking lot, resulting in the deaths of Hill and Riley and the injury of another man. The victims were enjoying a summer day when they were attacked. First responders found Hill and Riley on the ground, and despite efforts to save them, both men died from their injuries.

After the shooting, no witnesses came forward to identify the shooter. However, the government presented forensic, video surveillance, circumstantial, and motive evidence that secured a conviction on all counts. It was suspected that Browne targeted and killed Hill and Riley because he was previously robbed near the same apartment parking lot.

Browne has been sentenced to 67.5 years in prison for the two murders. The sentencing brings closure to a tragic event that shook the community and resulted in the loss of two young lives in Washington, D.C.