Terrill Barfield, 40 was sentenced to life in prison Nov. 2 for his role in the Jan. 12, 2024, killing of Deon Beasley, 36, who was shot and killed while working inside a barber shop on Washington Boulevard.
According to the statement of charges, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 4:13 p.m. near Washington Boulevard and Scott Street. Officers located Beasly in the 700 block of Carroll Street suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 4:39 p.m..
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and recovered cellphone records that established the movements and communications of those involved.
Police say Barfield shared information about Beasley with his co-defendant, Jarvis Joyner, 35 and communicated a plan with his co-conspirators Lakeem Whitaker, 29, and James Hammond, 43. All were previously found guilty.
Investigators alleged that the four people traveled in a silver Honda Odyssey, where two individuals, Whitaker and Hammond exited and walked toward the location of the shooting. The two presumptive shooters fled on foot, while the minivan was observed traveling in the surrounding area.
Based on surveillance footage Barfield was identified as the driver of the Honda Odyssey and Joyner as the look out.
On Jul. 21, a jury found Barfield guilty on seven charges including two counts of first degree murder, four counts of firearm charges, and one count of reckless endangerment.
Barfield appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy, for sentencing.
During Barfield’s sentencing, the prosecution described him as the driver who helped arrange the killing of Beasley. The state argued that the circumstances suggested the shooting was financially motivated, although the reason for the killing remained unclear.
Prosecutors requested a sentence of life plus 45 years, with the first five years served without the possibility of parole.
Defense attorney, Anne Stewart-Hill, described the defendant’s difficult childhood and history of trauma as mitigating circumstances including physical and sexual abuse, drug misuse, and repeated periods of incarceration.
His foster mother also spoke on his behalf, describing his childhood experiences, including being struck in the head with a baseball bat, and recalling efforts she made to help him throughout his life.
Barfield spoke about his difficult upbringing and the significant trauma he had endured.
Judge Handy acknowledged Barfield’s traumatic childhood, including his time in five different foster homes over a relatively short period.
However, she also pointed to his extensive criminal history, which dated back to 2005. The judge noted that his record was a significant concern and reflected how earlier intervention and support might have changed the course of his life.
Barfield was sentenced to life in prison for two counts of first-degree murder. Twenty years, the first five years without the possibility of parole, consecutive to the first-degree murder charges. 20 years served concurrent with the previous count for the conspiracy to use a firearm in the commission of a felony. Lastly, five years served concurrent with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
His sentence has been credited for time served beginning on Jan 12, 2024.
As of Nov. 4, Barfield has since filed an appeal for his case but the reasons weren’t specified in open court.
