Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced the conviction of 19-year-old Parris Harris, of West Baltimore, for the first-degree murder of 27-year-old Desmond Gardner—a tragic killing that occurred in broad daylight in the Cherry Hill neighborhood on January 26, 2023.
Following a three-day trial and approximately five hours of deliberation, a jury in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City found Harris guilty on 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 or carrying a handgun. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, before Senior Judge Timothy J. Doory.
A Father’s Final Moments
Gardner, a young father, was ambushed and fatally shot just steps away from seeing his daughter during his lunch break from work. According to trial evidence, Harris and two unidentified accomplices fired more than 20 rounds at Gardner as he approached an apartment building in the 3400 block of Spelman Road. Gardner, who was unarmed, was struck in the back and died at the scene.
“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,” said Attorney General Brown. “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.”
Initially, Baltimore Police detectives had little to go on—only surveillance footage of three masked individuals fleeing the scene. But a breakthrough came just six days after the murder when Baltimore County Police encountered Harris during an investigation of a possibly stolen vehicle. Harris was found inside the vehicle, locked the glove compartment, and then fled. Inside that compartment, police recovered a handgun that forensic experts later matched to shell casings from the murder scene.
Further evidence came from Harris’ cellphone, which contained photos and videos of him wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage, and even footage of him holding the murder weapon days before Gardner’s killing. Cellular location analysis presented by FBI experts placed Harris’ phone traveling from his home in West Baltimore toward Cherry Hill shortly before the shooting. The phone was then powered off minutes before the murder, a key detail cited by prosecutors.
“This conviction is a true testament to our ongoing partnerships to identify those responsible for violence in our communities and hold them accountable,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “The detectives who worked tirelessly on this case, along with the collaboration from the Attorney General’s Office, the FBI, and Baltimore County Police, made this possible.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno echoed the importance of federal involvement:
“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.”
As the city continues to grapple with gun violence, Gardner’s murder serves as a sobering reminder of the real cost—a young daughter left without her father. The successful prosecution of Parris Harris marks a step toward accountability and community healing. Parris Harris was 17 years old at the time of the murder.
