A Texas court has handed down a life sentence to a man who brutally murdered a cancer researcher while she was out for a jog. The convicted killer, Bakari Abiona Moncrief, 33, pleaded guilty earlier this month and will serve his sentence without the possibility of parole until at least 2050.
43-year-old Sarmistha Sen was jogging in Plano, Texas On August 1, 2020, when Moncrief attacked and killed her. According to police report, Moncrief prior to the murder had attempted to break into a nearby home. Officers arrested him after noticing bloodstains on his clothing and DNA evidence on his body.
During his arrest, Moncrief reportedly stated, “I ain’t a coward.” His plea and subsequent sentencing came years later, with the court officially closing the case in December 2024.
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The Collin County District Attorney’s Office noted in a statement released on Monday that there were significant challenges to securing the conviction. However, their perseverance, combined with the united efforts of several law enforcement organizations, ensured that justice was done. The Plano Police Department thanked its specialist units and outside agencies for their assistance in settling the case.
“Their efforts were supported by the unified teamwork of personnel from various units within the Plano Police Department,” the statement said, and listed half a dozen agencies, adding that they all “played vital roles in achieving this outcome.”
Following Sen’s tragic death, her husband organized a GoFundMe campaign to honor her memory. The fundraiser collected $51,515, with all proceeds going to causes she deeply cared about, including cancer research, awareness, and environmental protection.
“We are creating this GoFundMe page in memory of Sarmistha Sen,” the campaign description stated, highlighting her commitment to a healthier world.
With Moncrief’s sentencing finalized, law enforcement officials formally announced the case’s conclusion on Monday. While the outcome provides some closure, Sen’s loss remains deeply felt by her family, friends, and the scientific community.
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