Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy sentenced Amir Barnes-Henderson, 27, to life plus 30 years without parole on Sept. 25 after he was found guilty of all charges in connection to the brutal murder of Gary Lee Matthews, 34.
Barnes-Henderson reportedly shot Matthews 22 times in the head on Nov. 21, 2024, while on the 4900 block of Frankford Avenue.
He was found guilty of first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony crime of violence, having a loaded handgun on his person, and illegal possession of a regulated firearm. The loaded handgun charge is the second Barnes-Henderson has incurred, and was merged with the final charge for sentencing.
Prosecutors noted Barnes-Henderson was never booked for previous crimes despite incriminating evidence, and implied a lack of appropriate law enforcement led to the defendant’s involvement in Matthews’ death.
“This was not an incident that took a delayed time,” said the prosecution.
Members of Matthews’ family presented victim impact statements before the court, telling Judge Handy that they recently celebrated the deceased victim’s birthday on Sept. 21.
Following the impact statements and a letter from Barnes-Henderson maintaining his innocence, Judge Handy sentenced the defendant to life in prison plus 30 years
