Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy announced on Wednesday that Desmond Mbah, 26, has been found guilty of the premeditated killing 23-year-old Al Janabi during a targeted armed carjacking in Riverdale Park two years ago.
The Severn Road resident left his home and got on a bus that dropped him off at an apartment complex in the 5400 block of 54th Avenue on Feb. 11, 2021, where Al Janabi was sitting in a vehicle working as a security guard.
Prosecutors say that Mbah ambushed the guard, shooting into his car and striking Al Janabi twice in the face, killing him, before then fleeing in his victim's car.
Upon arrival, police say that officers found Al Janabi down on the pavement suffering from his gunshot wounds and he died at an area hospital later that day.
"This took a lot of effort," Assistant State's Attorney Daniel Kim said during closing arguments. "(Mbah) specifically went to the parking lot to find his victim. This was a targeted attack to kill Riyadh Al Janabi and take his vehicle."
Mbah was convicted of:
- First-degree murder;
- Armed carjacking;
- Use of a firearm in a crime of violence;
- Carrying a handgun on his person in a public space.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
"This is the right outcome for Al Janabi and his loved ones," Braveboy said. "Justice was served. He was simply working and didn't deserve to be attacked and killed.
"This verdict sends a message that my prosecutors will fight for victims, this community, and justice."
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