‘He Didn’t Want to Die,’ Victim’s Mother Tells Defendant At Sentencing

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Paul Ray IV was sentenced to a modified life term on Jan. 29 by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Alan Lazerow for the fatal shooting of Bryson Hudson.

Ray previously pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2024 to first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony crime, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment from a car and carjacking. He was sentenced to life suspending all but 50 years, with no possibility for parole for the first five years, and five years probation.

“My Bryson will always be 16,” Hudson’s grandmother told Judge Lazerow as tears rolled down her face.

She then recalled having a dream of finding Hudson in heaven and going to meet him. For her grief, she requested Judge Lazerow give Ray the maximum sentence.

Hudson’s mother also addressed the court, recounting the last conversation she had with her son. She said they talked about wanting to make something of life.

“He didn’t want to die,” she said in tears.

Defense attorney Lawrence Rosenberg said five people were involved in the crime, but his client was the only one facing prosecution.

He said the victim had drugs and a gun on him when he died.

Rosenberg said Ray was redeemable and recommended he be part of a youth program in prison.