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His sentencing is scheduled for June.
ACCOKEEK, Md. — Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy held a news conference Friday, providing an update on the case of Carl Kearney, Jr., a former NFL practice squad player and high school football coach who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of his girlfriend, 38-year-old Patrina Best.
Best, a traveling nurse, was found strangled inside her parents' Accokeek home on the morning of Feb. 17, 2024. Later that day, Kearney walked into a police station and confessed to the crime, leading to his immediate arrest and subsequent indictment.
“This was a case that really rocked our county,” Braveboy said during the update. “To lose a child to murder is almost unbelievable. It’s devastating.”
According to investigators, Kearney and Best were on good terms leading up to the tragedy. They had enjoyed dinner together and spent time having fun before an argument escalated into violence. Authorities have stated that the killing was not premeditated.
Following his confession, Kearney was charged with first and second-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and now faces up to 30 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for June.
Best’s family previously described her as a compassionate and caring woman, recalling how she once put her career on hold to care for her ailing grandmother.
“Patrina was a constant source of joy and laughter in our lives. She was deeply compassionate and caring,” the family said in a statement. “She was the light of our lives, and we will miss her dearly for the rest of our days.”
Kearney, originally from Griffin, Georgia, was known for his work as a high school football coach and for mentoring struggling students. However, his reputation was shattered following his admission to the killing.
During the news conference, Braveboy discussed the details of the plea deal, the impact on the victim’s family and the broader implications of domestic violence in the community.
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