PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The man convicted of killing 24-year-old Miya Brophy-Baermann in a 2021 drive-by shooting on Olney Street has been sentenced to double life in prison plus 60 years.
Shawn Mann was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple firearm charges. Prosecutors said Mann, along with co-defendant Isaiah Pinkerton, opened fire from a car intending to shoot Brophy-Baermann’s boyfriend, whom they mistakenly believed to be a rival gang member. Instead, the bullet struck and killed Brophy-Baermann, an innocent bystander and graduate of Classical High School and URI.
“This was a truly senseless crime,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. “Though Miya’s loss will forever be deeply felt, I hope her family finds some peace knowing justice has been served.”
Miya’s mother, Michelle Brophy-Baermann, expressed gratitude to the police, prosecutors, victim services staff, and community members. “No amount of justice can ever bring my daughter back… but it brings me great comfort to be able to announce the winners of two scholarships in Miya’s name,” she said.
Pinkerton was sentenced in January 2024 to two life sentences and 50 years.
The case drew widespread community attention, leading to the creation of scholarships at RIC and URI in Miya’s honor.
