Officers Separate Victim’s and Defendant’s Families as 2020 Murder Case Closes

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During day two of his jury trial on May 30, defendant Eric Morris unexpectedly accepted a plea offer of life in prison, suspending all but 25 years, for the charge of first-degree murder.

Three days later, Morris reappeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin H. Schreiber II for sentencing. Roughly a dozen members from the victim’s and defendant’s families attended the hearing.

Morris, 39, pleaded guilty to murdering Wayne Archer, 33, following a drug dispute that occurred on Dec.10, 2020, in the 2200 block of Garrison Boulevard.

Judge Schreiber praised both families’ consistent attendance and behavior, stating he’s never seen a case with so many family members and so little verbal or physical hostility. Although both families reside in the same neighborhood, they have no prior relationship.

Several members of Archer’s family spoke out, including his daughter. She spoke to the effect that losing her father had on her, saying she was hospitalized due to her grief. Archer’s mother asked Morris what her son’s last words were.

An unidentified member of Archer’s family gave her own powerful statement, saying everyone lost in this incident, including Archer’s and Morris’ families, and Morris himself. She told the court that she would attend every one of Morris’ future parole hearings to insist Morris remain imprisoned.

When proceedings adjourned, court officers ushered Archer’s family out of the courtroom and instructed Morris’ kin to stay put until the hallway cleared. Despite Judge Schreiber’s praise, deputies made sure both families were separated outside the courtroom to prevent hostilities.