Men Sentenced to Life for Fatal Providence Shooting

The scene of the tragic shooting incident on Detroit Avenue in Providence.

News Summary

Marklyn Brown and Johnny Veng have been sentenced to double life in prison for their roles in a 2019 shooting that claimed the life of Berta Pereira-Roldan, a 19-year-old student. The tragic event occurred during Pereira-Roldan’s birthday celebration, leading to a significant legal outcome aimed at addressing gun violence. The court also highlighted the need for accountability in such cases, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Providence – Two men, Marklyn Brown (31) and Johnny Veng (35), were sentenced to double life in prison for their involvement in a 2019 shooting that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Berta Pereira-Roldan. Additionally, both men received sentences totaling 80 years, with 40 years of that time designated as not eligible for parole.

The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2019, during Pereira-Roldan’s birthday celebration. She was out with friends when she and her friend, Crystal Peloquin, were walking back to their cars from a nearby nightclub just before 2 a.m. Gunfire erupted on Detroit Avenue, resulting in both women suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, Pereira-Roldan, a recent graduate of Revere High School and a student at North Shore Community College, was pronounced dead at the scene. Peloquin sustained severe injuries and required several months of recovery at Rhode Island Hospital. It is noteworthy that the two victims were not acquainted with each other.

According to prosecutors, Brown and Veng were seen on surveillance video circling the area at least three times before the shooting took place. Following the gunfire, they fled the scene. Investigators recovered a total of 16 shell casings from the site where the incident occurred. A month later, two firearms connected to the suspects were discovered in a backyard on Mitchell Street. Video evidence from the area showed both men exiting a vehicle and discarding the weapons, linking them directly to the shooting.

In March of this year, Brown and Veng were convicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The court determined that their actions and choices during the incident directly led to the tragic outcome for Pereira-Roldan. Another suspect, identified as Jimmy Castillo, was also arrested in connection with the case. However, the jury deadlocked on the charges against him, leading to further proceedings.

Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the impact of the case, highlighting the ongoing tragedy faced by families threatened by gun violence. He expressed hope that the life sentences given to Brown and Veng would offer some measure of peace to Pereira-Roldan’s family following this heartbreaking event.

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of gun violence and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. The events surrounding this incident, from the senseless act of violence to the judicial proceedings that followed, underscore the importance of accountability and justice in addressing such grave matters.

As this story unfolds, it continues to resonate deeply within the Providence community, serving as a catalyst for discussions around safety, violence, and the protection of innocent lives.