41-year old Brian Francis was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and multiple firearm offenses.
Hagerstown, MD (JK) – A Washington County judge has sentenced a Hagerstown man to 100 years in prison following his conviction in a fatal apartment shooting that left one person dead and another seriously injured.
41-year old Brian Francis was convicted after a four-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Washington County. The jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Elijah Raymond Rapheal, attempted first-degree murder of Madalina Ciobanita, and several firearm-related offenses, including using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and carrying a loaded handgun. Judge Joseph S. Michael imposed the sentence on December 12, 2025, with credit for 727 days Francis had already served.
The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on July 30, 2023, at an apartment on Brinker Drive in Hagerstown. Police responding to the scene found Rapheal unconscious on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was taken to Meritus Medical Center, where he later died. Ciobanita was found near the front door of her apartment with multiple gunshot wounds and survived.
Investigators determined that Francis had been visiting the apartment with both victims when he produced a handgun and opened fire. Evidence in the case included cell phone data, surveillance video, and witness statements. Authorities say Francis fled the area after the shooting and was not arrested until December 27, 2023.
By Jimmy Key