Three Homicide Co-Defendant’s Sentenced for Double Murder

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On Aug. 22, days after jurors deliberation Kiray Walker and Malik Brooks were found guilty of dozens of charges related to the murders of Aryanna James and Courtney Richardson in November 2019 while on the 1900 block of McHenry Street.

Walker was found guilty of second-degree murder of Ayranna James, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Ayranna James, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, second-degree murder of Courtney Richardson, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Courtney Richardson, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit armed carjacking, conspiracy to use a firearm in a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to use a firearm in a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, and conspiracy to use a firearm in a crime of violence.

Walker faces up to two life sentences plus 200 years at sentencing.

Brooks was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of armed robbery, armed carjacking, two counts of first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit armed carjacking, two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and two counts of conspiracy to use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.

Brooks faces a maximum penalty of three life sentences plus 180 years in prison at his sentencing.

The third accomplice, Devon Bynum, who was a juvenile at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the crime. Bynum plead guilty of conspiracy to commit murder sentencing him to 20 years in prison.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Pillion prosecuted these cases.

According to the State’s Attorney Office, on Nov. 14, 2019 at 2:50 a.m. a ShotSpotter alert was issued for 10 rounds discharged at the 1900 block of McHenry Street. Baltimore Police officers responded and found a male, later identified as Courtney Richardson, and a female, later identified as Aryanna James, both suffering from gunshot wounds. James was declared deceased on the scene and Richardson was transported to Shock Trauma where he was declared deceased soon after arriving.

Ballistics evidence was found at the scene including seven 9mm casings, two .40 caliber casings, and fragments. Video surveillance was obtained that showed a small gray sedan make a left from McHenry Street onto S. Monroe Street and then quickly make a right onto Wilhelm Street, one block down. Three individuals exited the vehicle and entered the alley heading north towards the 1900 block of McHenry. Those same three people then emerged from the alley, two in black and one in a silver/blue coat.

The suspect in the silver/blue coat, and one of the suspects in black, immediately opened fire on Richardson and James, while the third suspect stood close by. Once the shooting was done, the three suspects fled back into the alley and departed in the vehicle. Throughout the entire incident, all three suspects appeared to move in concert with each other.

A ballistics analysis was performed on the weapon recovered from Walker following his arrest and it was a match to the seven 9mm cartridge casings recovered at McHenry Street. Additionally, the coat that was worn by Brooks matched the coat worn by one of the shooters in the video footage at McHenry Street.

“These were incredibly complex cases that ASA Pillion skillfully prosecuted with dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of justice for Aryanna and Courtney. From an uncooperative witness to the significant court delays due to COVID, there were immense challenges, but ultimately we hope these convictions have brought some measure of closure and comfort to the families who must continue the even harder work of grieving for their loved ones gone far too soon” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.