By: Richard L. Smith
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw reported that a 32-year-old resident of Willingboro has been found guilty today by a Superior Court jury for his involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred three years ago in the Millbrook Park neighborhood of the township.
After approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a series of guilty verdicts against Kwacey Q. Owens. Owens has been convicted on charges of Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree).
In addition to these convictions, Owens also pled guilty to two counts of Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The Hon. Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C., has scheduled the sentencing for December 4 in Mount Holly, marking the next significant step in this ongoing legal process.
The tragic incident that led to these charges unfolded on October 8, 2020, when the Willingboro Township police responded to a shooting report in the first block of Maplewick Lane shortly after 1:30 a.m.
At the scene, they discovered the lifeless body of Barry Barino, 28, outside the rear door of his residence.
Tragically, Barry Barino was pronounced dead on-site.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined that Barino's tragic demise was the result of a gunshot wound to the head.
The subsequent investigation unveiled a disturbing connection between the victim and the defendant.
It was revealed that Barry Barino and Kwacey Q. Owens were acquaintances. Owens had been inside the victim's home shortly before the fatal encounter, where he allegedly lured Barino outside and committed the heinous act.
Law enforcement authorities were able to recover the firearm used in the shooting, a .45 caliber pistol, inside the residence where Owens had been staying.
Twelve days after the shooting, Owens was charged with Murder and has been detained at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly ever since his apprehension.
The verdict reached brings some closure to the tragic incident that unfolded three years ago as the community awaits the upcoming sentencing hearing on December 4.
