A Montgomery Village man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a 43-year-old man inside a Northwest D.C. bar in April 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Robert Lowe, 42, was found guilty on May 5, 2026, of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm following a prior felony conviction. A judge sentenced Lowe to 21 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented by the government, Lowe entered Desperados Burger and Bar in the 1300 block of U Street NW during the early morning hours of April 27, 2024.
Prosecutors said Lowe approached Kenneth Goins from behind and struck him in the back of the head. The two men began fighting, and Lowe shot Goins once in the abdomen during the altercation. Lowe then left the bar and fled on a motorcycle. Despite efforts by responding officers and emergency medical personnel, Goins died from his injuries.
Lowe was arrested on May 22, 2024, and has remained in custody since. “Robert Lowe chose to turn a barroom confrontation into a deadly encounter, attacking Mr. Goins from behind and ultimately taking his life,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said. “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.”
