United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
08/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2026 15:03
21-Year Sentence Handed Down for Fatal Bar Shooting
WASHINGTON - Robert Lowe, 42, of Montgomery Village, MD, was sentenced today to 21 years in prison for murdering 43-year-old Kenneth Goins in April 2024 at a Northwest D.C. bar, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"Robert Lowe chose to turn a barroom confrontation into a deadly encounter, attacking Mr. Goins from behind and ultimately taking his life," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "This senseless violence tears families apart and endangers everyone around it. Today's 21-year sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the commitment of our office to hold armed offenders fully accountable."
Lowe was found guilty on May 5, 2026, on one count each of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior felony conviction). The Honorable Todd Edelman sentenced Lowe to the prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government's evidence, in the early morning hours of April 27, 2024, Lowe went to the Desperados Burger and Bar, in the 1300 block of U Street, NW. The victim, Kenneth Goins, was at the bar enjoying himself. At some point, the defendant came up behind Mr. Goins and struck him in the back of the head. Then the two men began to fight. In the ensuing fight, the defendant shot Mr. Goins, striking him once in the abdomen. The defendant then fled the bar, got on his motorcycle, and drove away. Unfortunately, after efforts from responding officers and EMS, Mr. Goins succumbed to his injuries.
Lowe was arrested on May 22, 2024, and has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll acknowledged the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Dinan and Tamara Rubb, who prosecuted the case.
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