Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that 32-year-old Kwacey Q. Owens had been sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison for a fatal shooting three years ago. Owens will be required to serve the entire sentence before being eligible for parole, according to the terms set by Hon. Mark P. Tarantino J.S.C.

After deliberating for two hours, a Superior Court jury found Owens guilty of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in September. Owens also pled guilty to two counts of Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons.

Willingboro Township police officers responded to the first block of Maplewick Lane just after 1 AM for a report of a shooting on October 8, 2020. Upon arrival, officers found the body of 28-year-old Barry Barino outside the rear door of his residence. Barino was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood ruled that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. According to authorities, the investigation revealed that Owens and Barino were acquaintances. Owens had reportedly been inside the victim’s home before he lured him outside to his death.

A .45 caliber pistol, which was used in the shooting, was later recovered in another residence where Owens had been staying.