CINCINNATI — More than one year after he shot and killed a 34-year-old woman who was nine months pregnant, Miquan Barfield pleaded guilty to multiple charges — including involuntary manslaughter.
Barfield also pleaded guilty on Tuesday to felonious assault and failure to comply in Nia Booker's death. He received a sentence ranging from 28 to 33.5 years in prison for his crimes.
During Tuesday's hearing, Barfield gave a short statement to the courtroom.
"I just want to say that I apologize to the family and I apologize to everybody in the courtroom, and that's all," Barfield said.
Hear from Nia Booker's family during their impact statements:
More than 10 of Booker's family members spoke directly to Barfield and the courtroom.
"You destroyed our family, my grandkids will never be the same," Booker's mother, Darlene Booker-Powell, cried out.
Booker-Powell also took the time to describe her first moments as Nia Booker's mother when she adopted her more than 30 years ago.
One of the speakers was Booker's oldest child, Elias Brown, who graduated from high school earlier this month.
"Your choices have consequences that extend way beyond this courtroom; they rip through the lives of everyone who loved her," Brown said. "We will carry this heartache with us forever."
Brown continued, telling the courtroom how much his mother meant to him.
"Even though you're not physically here right now, you have always been there with a listening ear, and I'm so thankful. I love you, Mommy," Brown said.
Booker was nine months pregnant when she was shot at the intersection of Rockdale and Harvey Avenues on August 5, 2023. Her family reported that an argument erupted outside her vehicle, during which Barfield opened fire.
At the time of the shooting, three of Booker's children — ages 7, 8 and 9 — were in the back seat. The 9-year-old was the one who called 911 for help, according to Booker's family.
Booker was taken to the hospital, where she died but her baby survived. None of her other children were injured.
"(Booker) told the youngest two to get down in the back — that could've saved their lives," Booker's cousin, Ryan Scott, previously told us.
Police arrested Barfield following a police chase that ended when he crashed his car into a fence near Paddock Road and Franklin Avenue in Bond Hill.
More than a dozen members of Booker's family attended the plea hearing to witness the proceedings.
Editor's Note: In an earlier version of this story, WCPO 9 erroneously stated Booker's baby died in the shooting.
