Montgomery jury convicts man of 2023 shooting that killed one, paralyzed another

A jury in Montgomery County has convicted a man for a shooting on Labor Day in 2023 that ended with a woman being murdered and a man being paralyzed. 

According to a statement from Montgomery County District Attorney Azzie Oliver, Brendan Thomas is facing life imprisonment. 

Thomas reportedly entered a motel on Sept. 2, 2023 to meet with 20-year-old Adrianna Conville. When Conville told Thomas that she did not want to leave with him he drew a gun an opened fire, said Oliver's statement.

DeVris Bilbrew, who was 17 at the time, was in the room and was struck twice in the back and once in the chest, causing him to be permanently paralyzed. Conville was struck in the head and died. 

“On Labor Day 2023, what should have been an ordinary day turned into an unthinkable tragedy. A young woman lost her life, and another young person’s life was forever changed when the defendant chose to open fire inside a hotel after being told ‘no.’," said Oliver.

"This case is a stark reminder of how quickly violence can shatter families and futures. While no verdict can undo the harm caused, this outcome delivers a measure of justice for the victims and their loved ones. My office remains committed to seeking accountability in every case where violence threatens the safety of our community.”

Thomas will be sentenced on May 28.