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By
Brianna Washington
- September 26, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy sentenced repeat offender 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, after what prosecutors says was a dispute outside a liquor store on the 4900 block of Frankford Avenue.
“This was not an incident that took a delayed time,” said the prosecution.
Barnes-Henderson 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.
According to an August release from the Baltimore Office of the State’s Attorney, Barnes-Henderson had previously been convicted of multiple handgun misdemeanors and was prohibited from having a firearm.
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 presentations and a letter from Barnes-Henderson maintaining his innocence, Judge Handy sentenced the defendant to life in prison plus 30 years.