Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Centreville Home Invasion Murder

A Maryland man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a a Manassas Park resident.

Reynard Prather, 22, of Oxen Hill, MD, pleaded guilty in February to charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death. Cardona, a handyman at the Centreville residence, died while trying to defend his employers from the armed intruders.

"I think that this was a very tragic thing that happened, and it goes to the heart of every person's worst nightmare, being the target of a home invasion," U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride said outside the courthouse, after the sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga said Prather had accepted responsibility for the crime. But he added that while Prather did not pull the trigger on the gun, his participation led to the death of Cardona.

"His death was a predictable outcome," Trenga said.

Several of Prather's family members were present at the courtroom Friday, quietly weeping. In a letter written to the court before sentencing, Prather said that he was sorry he had taken part in the crime.

"I am well aware of my actions, what I am facing, and the need for consequences," he wrote.

Prather's sentencing comes just a week after another man, Tasheik Ashanti Champean, related to the same incident. The case has been long and difficult. In court documents, prosecutors alleged that there were at least three people involved in the incident. When asked if there might be more charges forthcoming, MacBride said, "The investigation continues."

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