A Rhode Island man who killed a bar patron during a fistfight with his family member will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Providence County Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers handed Trequan Baker, 31, a life sentence for the shooting death of Qudus Kafo, 36. Baker was found guilty and convicted by a jury of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm while in the commission of a crime of violence resulting in death, possession of a firearm without a license, and conspiracy to carry a pistol without a license.
“Tragedies like this are unfortunately all too common and altogether avoidable. This defendant brought a gun to a fistfight, and as a result, many lives are now irrevocably changed for the worse. I hope this verdict provides some measure of peace for the victim’s family. And thank you to the Pawtucket Police for their consistent commitment to seeking justice for the victims of violent crime,” said Attorney General Neronha,” according to the State of Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.
During the early hours on Jan. 23, 2022, officers responded to the Fab City Cigar Lounge along 1438 Newport Ave after reports of an assault and shots fired. Upon arrival, they found Kafo with a single shot to the abdomen and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wound.
The victim had gotten into an altercation with one of Baker’s family members a few hours before the fatal incident. Some of the bar patrons had stepped in to calm the duo, and everything seemed to be back to normal for a while, reported NECN. However, a member of Blake’s family called the defendant, who came to the bar, followed by another argument between Baker and Kafo.
Another fight ensued between the victim and Baker’s family member outside the bar. Minutes later, Baker shot Kafo at point-blank range in the abdomen. Investigators used the Cranston police camera system to identify the defendant’s car. Another footage showed the defendant running to his car to retrieve a semi-automatic handgun as he loaded a round in the chamber just minutes before the shooting.
Two days later, Baker was arrested and placed into police custody.
Rodgers sentenced Baker to an additional 60 years to be served consecutively to the life sentence.
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