Pablo David Agosto Acevedo, 41, was sentenced to life plus 38 years for the Nov. 2023 murder of Pedie Edwards II, 38, a man he had been friends with for nearly 30 years.
Charging documents state Acevedo shot Edwards five times while he sat inside a vehicle on the 600 block of N. Decker Avenue, then burned the car to destroy evidence, including Edwards’ body. On Dec. 9, 2023, almost five weeks after the shooting, law enforcement found Edwards’ body in New Jersey’s Hackensack River.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn Stewart Mays presided over the hearing. Defense Attorney Mauricio Barreiro argued that Acevedo’s pre-sentencing report was favorable and that the case lacked forensic evidence and credible expert and witness testimony. Barreiro disputed the state’s theory of jealousy as Acevedo’s motive and requested a concurrent sentence of 40 years for murder, plus 20 concurrent years for handgun charges.
Barreiro noted that Acevedo told him, “I am at peace, you fought hard for me.” The defense also challenged the state’s proof of intent and motive.
The prosecution emphasized that a majority of the recovered evidence placed both men at the same locations throughout multiple points in the day, including DNA found in the vehicle, Royal Farms security footage showing Acevedo and Edwards together before the shooting, Ring camera footage capturing Acevedo’s movements, along with cellphone and GPS data. Prosecutors also referenced two voicemails exchanged shortly before the incident. In addition, they highlighted that Acevedo transported Edwards’s body to New Jersey and attempted to flee to Puerto Rico through the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The prosecution also pointed to Acevedo’s criminal history, including 17 adult and eight juvenile arrests, arguing he had “many opportunities to change his life before the shooting.” Prosecutors sought life plus 35 years, recommending consecutive sentencing that consisted of life imprisonment for first‑degree murder, 20 years with five years of probation for having a handgun on his person, 15 years for firearm possession with prior felony convictions, and three years for altering physical evidence.
During emotional victim impact statements, Edwards’ family described the victim as a kindhearted, attentive man who was deeply rooted in his community and known for helping others.
His brother said his life was cut short “by someone who held anger and jealousy — someone who once was a brother to him,” emphasizing the betrayal of a friendship that spanned decades.
The mother of Edwards’ two children said her children considered Acevedo their uncle and that they were now fatherless because of the defendant’s actions. She recalled how Edwards continued to support her even after their relationship ended, always showing up when she needed help.
Edwards’ sister spoke tearfully about their bond, saying she practically raised him and that he was her protector and their mother’s caretaker. She described how every room in her house reminded her of him because he had helped maintain it, adding, “Mom would say everyone needs a Pedie in their life.” The family expressed disbelief that someone they trusted and loved could take Edwards’ life.
Judge Mays sentenced Acevedo to life in prison for first-degree murder, 20 years for firearm use in a felony violent crime, 15 years for firearm possession with prior felony convictions, and three years for altering physical evidence, which together totaled 38 years added consecutively to the life term. One count of having a handgun on his person was merged for sentencing.
