Providence man sentenced for 2022 murder
PROVIDENCE, R.I.(WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha announced today that a Providence man has been sentenced regarding the death of 36-year-old Qudus Kafo.
The Court sentenced Trequan Barker, 31, to 60 years in prison followed by a consecutive life sentence.
On Dec. 14, 2023, following an eight-day trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of the following:
- Second-degree murder
- Discharging a firearm while in the commission of crime, death resulting
- Possession of a firearm without a license
- Conspiracy to carry without a license
During the trial, substantial evidence proved that the defendant shot and killed Kafo outside of a cigar bar following a dispute.
Authorities said that on the night of Jan. 23. 2022, a family member of Baker got into an argument and left the bar to make a phone call.
When he returned, he approached Kafo, and lounge security got involved to break up the argument.
Police said that video surveillance footage shows Baker looking for Kafo.
Shortly after a physical fight, Baker allegedly got a gun from his car and loaded it. He then chased Kafo down and shot him point-blank in the abdomen.
Kafo was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died.
