Following a guilty verdict on multiple charges including first-degree murder, Jarvis Sir Goria Joyner, 35, was sentenced on Nov. 2 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy.
Joyner was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent crime, conspiracy to use a firearm in a violent crime, and conspiracy to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle, after a jury trial that concluded on July 28. The charges are in connection to the murder of 36-year-old Deon Beasley that occurred outside of a barbershop in the 800 block of Washington Boulevard on Jan. 12, 2024.
After co-defendant Terrill Barfield, 39, received a life sentence for similar charges, the prosecution and defense counsels argued their recommendations for Joyner’s case.
The prosecution recommended the maximum sentence of life imprisonment plus 40 years. The attorney labeled Joyner the “lookout” inside of the vehicle that drove past the barber shop twice. Apparently, Joyner received a text message from Barfield displaying videos of the victim’s social media profile. Joyner was also deemed a “subsequent offender” with the acknowledgment of two prior violent crime cases.
Defense attorney Jerry Rodriguez argued that nothing would have changed if Joyner was not present at the time of the murder, claiming that his involvement was merely “passive” and that he was only a passenger. He stated that Joyner did not respond to the text messages and that evidence pointed to the other co-defendants. Rodriguez also informed Judge Handy that the defendant’s other violent crimes were from approximately 20 years ago, and that even with a rough upbringing Joyner has gone out of his way to rectify past actions. As such, Rodriguez recommended a suspended life sentence of all but 40 years.
The defendant’s sister spoke on his behalf, extolling his character and highlighting his difficult childhood. Joyner also gave a brief statement, expressing his intent to appeal as he believes he was wrongfully convicted while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.
Judge Handy sentenced Joyner to a life sentence for both counts of first-degree murder, followed by 20 years, 5 years without the possibility of parole for firearm use in a violent crime which will run consecutive to the murder charge.
Additionally, Joyner was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to use a firearm in a violent crime which will run concurrent to the firearm use charge and is merged with the conspiracy to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle charge.
