INDIANAPOLIS — Troy Briscoe was sentenced to 62 years for murdering a Sabrina Cowen on Indy's west side in 2023, the Marion County Prosecutor's office announced on Friday.
“This case exemplifies our prosecutors’ unwavering commitment to taking the most complex cases to trial on behalf of victims and their families, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a press release. "Regardless of obstacles, we are dedicated to ensuring victims have their story heard."
On February 13, 2023, around 10 p.m., IMPD officers found a woman who had injuries consistent with a gunshot wound in a yard between two houses in the 3500 block of West 12th Street. That's near West 16th Street and North Tibbs Avenue.
Sabrina Cowen, 30, was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators found several signs of a struggle in Cowen’s home, including broken fingernails, a shell casing and a pair of glasses on the floor.
Neighbors said they heard a “boom” followed by screaming at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The prosecutor's office said home surveillance showed Briscoe entering the residence before the shooting, and shortly after, he was seen running from the residence, getting into his car and fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.
Investigators used location data on Briscoe’s cellphone to prove he was near the crime scene before, during, and briefly after the murder occurred.
Briscoe’s DNA was located on multiple beer bottles and on a cigarette bud found at the scene, according to the prosecutor's office.
Throughout the investigation, several people informed detectives that Briscoe and Cowen had a violent relationship, and before the murder, Cowen tried to leave him, stating she was “done” with him.
Investigators said many witnesses described Briscoe as having erratic and threatening behavior.
On Aug. 8, IMPD announced the arrest of 38-year-old Troy Briscoe. He is charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
