UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A man has been sentenced for the murder and armed carjacking of a security guard. Desmond Mbah, 27, was sentenced to life on Friday for murdering Riyadh Al Janabi a little over three years ago.
When handing down the sentence, the judge called Mbah’s crime “calculated and deliberate” and said his sentence was just and fair.
In February 2021, Mbah went to an apartment complex in Riverdale, Maryland, where Al Janabi was on duty as a security guard. He was sitting in his car when suddenly, Mbah ambushed him and shot into the car, hitting him twice in the face.
Mbah then fled the scene in Al Janabi’s car. When police arrived at the apartment complex, they found Al Janabi lying on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
“This was a very disturbing crime,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “I am certain Mr. Al Janabi expected to return home after his shift, but that didn’t happen because Mr. Mbah heartlessly decided to take his life for no reason. In light of that, I believe this sentence is most appropriate and I want to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Kim for fighting to ensure justice was secured for this victim and his family.”
Mbah was sentenced to life for first-degree murder, 25 years for armed carjacking, and 20 years for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence.
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