FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-576-7009
BALTIMORE, MD – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced
the sentencing of Parris Harris, 20, of Baltimore, for the first-degree murder of Desmond
Gardner, on January 26, 2023. Gardner, who was 27 years old, was murdered as he was on his
way to visit his young daughter during his lunch break from work. Harris was convicted following a three-day jury trial that concluded on July 12, 2024.
The Honorable Timothy J. Doory of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City sentenced Harris to a
total sentence of Life plus 15 years, which was higher than the sentencing guidelines. The State
argued at sentencing that Harris was one of three individuals who approached an unarmed victim
and shot him several times in the back and head. The State further argued that Harris’s actions
demonstrated a “callous disregard for the value of human life.
Before issuing a sentence, the Court heard from two family members of the victim, who shared
the “tremendous amount of pain” that this loss has caused for their family.
Andrew Curry, 24, of Baltimore City, is also charged with the murder of Desmond Gardner and
is scheduled for trial on June 13, 2025.
In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked his Criminal Division,
specifically Division Chief Katie Dorian, Organized Crime Unit Chief Paul Halliday, and
Assistant Attorney General Pilar Rodarte, who prosecuted the case. Attorney General Brown also
thanked Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Richard Worley, FBI Baltimore Special
Agent in Charge William DelBagno, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, and
the detectives and agents who worked tirelessly on this case. Attorney General Brown also
thanked State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Ivan J. Bates for his office’s assistance in this case.
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