Judge sentences Montgomery Village man to 21 years for murder at D.C. bar 

Robert Lowe, 42, also convicted of multiple firearm-related offenses 

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August 14, 2026 5:30 p.m.

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A Washington, D.C. judge on Friday ordered a Montgomery Village man to serve 21 years in prison after a jury convicted him of murdering another man following a barroom fight in April 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the city announced in a press release. 

A Superior Court jury on May 5 found Robert Lowe, 42, guilty of second-degree murder for killing Kenneth Goins, 43, of Salisbury, Maryland, at Desperados Burger & Bar in the capital’s U Street corridor. Lowe also was convicted of multiple firearm-related offenses, including unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.  

Associate Judge Todd Edelman on Friday handed down Lowe’s sentence, which could have been up to 33 years, Bethesda Today previously reported. His prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release, according to the press release. 

“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 Pirro said in Friday’s press release. “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.” 

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The altercation that led to Goins’ death began around 1:10 a.m. on April 27, 2024, after Lowe approached Goins at the restaurant’s bar and struck him in the head with a bottle, Bethesda Today previously reported.  

A fight ensured, and Lowe shot Goins once in the abdomen, according to Friday’s press release. Lowe then left the bar and drove away on his motorcycle. Police arrested him on May 22, 2024, the release said. He has been in custody since then. 

Officers with D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department were in the area at the time of the shooting and heard the gunshots, Bethesda Today previously reported. They found Goins wounded inside the bar and attempted to render life-saving aid, but he died at the scene. 

According to an online obituary, Goins is remembered as a person who helped others, and as a basketball player and gifted leader. He attended public schools in Wicomico County and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. He later pursued a career in real estate. 

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Goins “had many strengths,” the obituary said. “He was a genuine and authentic visionary, an avid reader, poet, and outstanding writer. He had a brilliant and quick sense of humor. In a debate, you had better be up for the challenge. He enjoyed living life to the fullest and will truly be missed.” 

Bethesda Today reporter Elia Griffin contributed to this story. 

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine