PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Two men have been sentenced to serve life in prison for the 2019 shooting death of 19-year-old Berta Pereira-Roldan, a case that shocked the community and highlighted the tragic consequences of gun violence. Johnny Veng, 35, and Marklyn Brown, 31, received the sentences in Providence County Superior Court on Monday, June 23, 2025, bringing a long-awaited measure of justice for the victim’s family.
The Honorable Justice Robert D. Krause handed down the sentences, ensuring both men will spend the remainder of their lives behind bars. In addition to life sentences for first-degree murder, Veng and Brown were also found guilty of multiple related charges, including conspiracy and firearms offenses, following a jury trial.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early morning hours of September 29, 2019, on Detroit Avenue in Providence. Pereira-Roldan was an innocent bystander, caught in a hail of gunfire that erupted outside a nightclub. She was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
“The lives of the Pereira-Roldan family were forever shattered by the senseless and cowardly actions of these two individuals,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a statement following the sentencing. “Berta Pereira-Roldan was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and her loss is a profound tragedy for our community. While this sentence cannot undo the immense pain and loss, we hope it provides a sense of closure and justice for her loved ones.”
The investigation by the Providence Police Department was described as “meticulous and relentless,” ultimately leading to the identification and arrest of Veng and Brown. The prosecution successfully argued that the two men were responsible for the indiscriminate shooting that claimed Pereira-Roldan’s life.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez commended the detectives and officers involved in the case. “This was a complex investigation that required unwavering dedication from our team. We are committed to holding those who perpetrate such heinous acts of violence accountable. Our hearts go out to the family of Berta Pereira-Roldan, and we hope this verdict brings them some semblance of peace.”
Throughout the trial, the court heard harrowing testimony about the events of that night. The prosecution presented a compelling case, weaving together witness accounts, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage to prove Veng and Brown’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The courtroom was filled with emotion as the sentences were read, with family and friends of Pereira-Roldan present. While the legal proceedings have concluded, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
