A 67-year-old Baltimore man is set to serve 25 years in jail–essentially a life sentence–after pleading guilty to the murder of a fellow resident at the Pleasant View Gardens senior living complex last February.
On May 12, Norman Waker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and two counts of firearm use in a felony violent crime. Waker was initially charged with murdering Clyde Barnes, 79, and critically wounding another 72-year-old resident in the neck on the morning of Feb. 20, 2025.
Waker allegedly shot Barnes over a dispute regarding money. Barnes was known for reselling packs of Newport cigarettes to fellow residents, and Waker reportedly owed him money. The surviving victim was shot when he heard gunfire and entered Barnes’ apartment to check the situation. Waker then allegedly went through the surviving victim’s pockets and left the scene.
Tactical force officers arrested Waker the same day while conducting a sweep of the living complex, which is located on the 100 block of N. Central Avenue.
Waker’s plea comes nearly seven months after a mistrial was declared in his case. At trial, Waker and his defense attorney, Matthew Connell, had maintained the defendant acted in self defense due to repeated harassment from Barnes. Connell argued the situation escalated rapidly, leading Waker to discharge his gun in an “impulsive, spontaneous” manner.
Waker was initially charged with first-degree murder, but the count was downgraded to second-degree at his sentencing. His aggregate sentence is 60 years, suspending all but 25.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong presided over Waker’s sentencing.
