BALTIMORE, MD News (7/25/2024) – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced yesterday that Parris Harris, a 19-year-old from Baltimore, has been convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of 27-year-old Desmond Gardner. The crime took place on January 26, 2023, while Gardner was on his way to visit his young daughter during his lunch break.
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After a three-day jury trial, presided over by Senior Judge Timothy J. Doory of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Harris was found guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder. Harris was 17 at the time of the crime.
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Gardner was ambushed by three individuals, including Harris, who fired more than 20 shots at him. The murder took place in broad daylight in the 3400 block of Spelman Road in the Cherry Hill neighborhood.
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Attorney General Anthony Brown commented on the verdict, stating, “This was a young father whose life was struck down just steps away from seeing his daughter, and now she is forced to grow up without him. I can only hope that this verdict brings some solace to her and her family. It should send a clear message that my Organized Crime Unit will prosecute violent gun offenders. We will hold you accountable for the violence, misery, fear, and pain you cause.”
Gardner was unarmed and was shot in the back as he approached an apartment building where his daughter was waiting for him. Initially, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detectives had little evidence other than a video showing three masked individuals committing the murder.
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Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley praised the conviction, saying, “This conviction is a true testament to our ongoing partnerships to identify those responsible for violence in our communities and hold them accountable. I would like to thank the detectives who worked tirelessly in solving this case and the collaborative work with the Attorney General’s Office, FBI Baltimore, Baltimore County Police, and all those involved in bringing justice to the family of Desmond Gardner. The BPD remains steadfast in its dedication to working together to make our city safer.”
Six days after the murder, Harris was found inside a potentially stolen vehicle during a Baltimore County Police investigation. He locked the glove compartment and fled, leaving behind a handgun. Forensic testing linked the shell casings from the murder scene to the gun found in the glove compartment.
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Further evidence from Harris’ cellphone included photographs of him wearing clothing that matched one of the shooters in the video and a video showing him holding the murder weapon. An expert in historical cellular record analysis from the FBI testified that Harris’ cellphone was traveling from his residence in West Baltimore to Cherry Hill shortly before the murder and was turned off minutes before the crime.
FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno emphasized the collaborative effort in the case, stating, “The FBI Baltimore Field Office is committed to assisting our local and state partners. Providing the FBI’s resources reaffirms our commitment to identify violent offenders and take those who threaten our community off the streets. The conviction of Parris Harris is a step toward our goal of maintaining the safety of our communities and upholding the rule of law.”
After approximately five hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Harris of all charges, including first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a minor, and wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, before Judge Doory in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
Attorney General Brown expressed gratitude to those involved in the case, including Organized Crime Unit Chief Paul Halliday, Assistant Attorney General Pilar Rodarte, BPD Commissioner Richard Worley, FBI Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, and the detectives and agents who worked diligently on the investigation. He also thanked State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Ivan J. Bates for his office’s assistance.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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