Teen Sentenced to 23 Years for Saint Paul Tobacco Store Murder

Apr 21

A 17-year-old has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the deadly shooting of a 22-year-old man outside a tobacco store last fall.

Knyaw Taw pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder with intent for the September 10 shooting of Davion Brown in the parking lot of Maryland Tobacco, 1375 Maryland Avenue East.

Previously: Teen Pleads Guilty in Fatal Saint Paul Tobacco Shop Shooting

Taw, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was certified to stand trial as an adult and sentenced Friday to 276 months, or 23 years in prison. He was given credit for 221 days already served.

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Surveillance video reviewed by police showed Taw riding into the lot on a bicycle, speaking briefly to people in a red Ford Expedition, and then walking up to the victim with a gun. Investigators say Taw fired multiple rounds at close range as the victim’s back was turned. The gunman continued firing after the victim fell to the ground. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was exsanguination from multiple gunshot wounds.

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The shooting occurred in front of witnesses, and one of them later confirmed that the victim had just purchased cigars for him moments earlier. Another told officers he had been arguing with the victim about a woman before the shooting but denied knowing the shooter.

Taw fled the scene on his bike but was spotted minutes later walking on Germain Street. Officers attempted to stop him, but he ran through yards with an item tucked into his waistband. A black face mask was found near where he was arrested. Officers later found a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun near where Taw was running, and matched it to shell casings collected at the scene.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to cap their sentencing request at 283 months, while the defense argued for a 261-month term. A separate juvenile charge of third-degree riot was dismissed.

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