Two men indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of 24-year-old Miya Brophy-Baermann

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Commissioner of Public Safety Steven M. Paré, and Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. announced today that the Statewide Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging two men with murder in the shooting death of 24-year-old Miya Brophy-Baermann in 2021.

On August 24, 2022, the Statewide Grand Jury returned a secret indictment charging 31-year-old Shawn Mann of Providence with one count of murder; one count of conspiracy to commit murder; one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, resulting in death; one count of committing a drive-by shooting; one count of conspiracy to commit a drive-by shooting; one count of possession of a ghost gun; two counts of conspiracy to possess a ghost gun; two counts of carrying a pistol without a license; two counts of conspiracy to carry a pistol without a license; one count of assault with intent to commit murder; and one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

Isaiah Pinkerton (L) and Shawn Mann (R). Providence Police Department photo.

The indictment also charges 25-year-old Isaiah Pinkerton, also of Providence, with one count of murder; one count of conspiracy to commit murder; one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, resulting in death; one count of committing a drive-by shooting; one count of conspiracy to commit a drive-by shooting; two counts of possession of a ghost gun; two counts of conspiracy to possess a ghost gun; two counts of carrying a pistol without a license; two counts of conspiracy to carry a pistol without a license; two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; one count of assault with intent to commit murder; and one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

At a hearing today, the secret indictment was unsealed, and the defendants were arraigned in Providence County Superior Court. Both defendants pled not guilty and are being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institution.

As alleged in court documents, during the early morning hours on Sunday, August 1, 2021, the defendants shot at two individuals during a drive-by shooting on Olney Street in Providence using a Polymer80 ghost gun, killing Miya Brophy-Baermann.

The indictment also charges the defendants with multiple charges related to the possession of a Polymner80 ghost gun on December 12, 2021.

“For over a year, this Office and the Providence Police Department have sought justice for Miya and her family, and with today’s indictment, we are one step closer towards achieving that goal,” said Attorney General Neronha. “I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Providence Police Department and the hard work by the investigative team over the past year that led to this week’s indictment.”

“This senseless act of gun violence has had a profound impact upon so many that were close to Miya, as well as the greater community,” said Steven M. Paré, Providence Commissioner of Public Safety. “The Providence Police Department is committed to achieving justice for a young woman whose life was cut far too short. I commend the work of the Providence Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General in this case.”

“The men and women of the Providence Police Department commit themselves every day to performing police work that keeps the public safe and holds those accountable who harm others in our community,” said Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. “Our thoughts are with Miya’s family and loved ones today. I am proud of the work conducted by our officers throughout the investigation of this case, specifically Detective Sergeant Timothy McGann and Detective Theodore Michael, and thank the Office of the Attorney General for their continued partnership.”

Detective Sergeant Timothy McGann and Detective Theodore Michael of the Providence Police Department and Criminal Chief and Special Assistant Attorney General Stephen Dambruch and Special Assistant Attorney General Alison Bittl of the Office of the Attorney General are leading the prosecution and investigation of the case.