Plano Man Sentenced to Life for Jogging Trail Murder

PLANO, Texas – In a tragic case that gripped the community, a man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a local woman while she jogged on a trail.

Case Overview

Bakari Moncrief, the defendant in this case, pleaded guilty in December to charges of murder and burglary of a habitation. The court subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment for the murder and an additional 40 years for the burglary. He will be eligible for parole only after serving 32 years of his sentence.

Community Impact

The District Attorney’s Office in Collin County faced significant challenges throughout the proceedings. They were supported by a cohesive effort from various divisions of the Plano Police Department. This collaboration included patrol officers, crime scene analysts, and digital media specialists, all crucial to resolving this case effectively. As noted by the Plano Police in a release, “Their efforts were supported by the unified teamwork of personnel from various units…”

Incident Details

The events leading to Moncrief’s arrest date back to August 2020, when he was accused of attacking and killing 43-year-old Sarmistha Sen. A mother of two and dedicated cancer researcher, Sen went out for a morning jog, during which she was tragically murdered. Her body was discovered later by another jogger near a creek along the trail in north Plano.

Investigation Findings

While investigating the scene, officers apprehended Moncrief, who matched the description of a suspect linked to a burglary occurring on the same day. Details from the arrest warrant indicate that he was found at a gas station, attempting to charge his phone. During the detention, Moncrief reportedly exclaimed, “I ain’t a coward.”

Further evidence included footage from a Ring camera capturing similar remarks made by the burglary suspect. The investigation also revealed that a television in the burglarized home had been moved and that DNA evidence was collected for analysis.

Conclusion

Moncrief’s conviction and sentencing have brought a measure of closure to the community shaken by the tragedy. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in bringing perpetrators to justice but also serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Plano Police and legal teams involved.