Eric Morris was sentenced to Life, suspending all but 25 years, for the fatal shooting of Wayne Stewart Archer Jr.
Baltimore, Md. (June 5, 2025) - Today, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City announced that Eric Morris, a repeat offender for drug use and firearm possession, pled guilty to First-Degree Murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Wayne Stewart Archer, Jr. He was sentenced to Life, suspending all but 25 years, with five years of supervised probation upon release. Assistant State’s Attorneys David Wiseman and Lauren Rosenberg prosecuted the case.
“The Office of the State’s Attorney is unwavering in its commitment to holding repeat violent offenders accountable,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “This case illustrates the dangers posed by individuals who repeatedly disregard the law and public safety. This was a collaborative effort, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration Strike Force Group 3 and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, which assisted BPD's Homicide team. Together, we are all committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring our communities are safer by removing those who perpetuate violence in Baltimore.”
On December 10, 2020, at approximately 11:52 a.m., Baltimore Police Department officers were dispatched to the 2100-2200 Garrison Boulevard for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered 33-year-old Wayne Stewart Archer, Jr., who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the back. The victim was rushed to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, but later succumbed to his injuries at 12:26 p.m.
Detectives recovered a black satchel bag on a nearby fence at the scene that contained a cell phone, a 9mm Taurus semiautomatic pistol, and 20 small bags of marijuana. CCTV footage showed the victim standing near a bus stop when the suspect appeared in a black cap with a Silver Chicago Bulls logo, a black balaclava-style mask, a black jacket, a black shirt with white lettering, black pants, and multicolored sneakers. The victim removed the black satchel bag from his person and handed it to a female acquaintance, who immediately placed the bag on a fence a half block away from the bus stop. An altercation between the suspect and the victim began, which led to the suspect shooting the victim multiple times, including several times at the victim’s back after he fell over in the middle of the street. The suspect then fled on foot to a nearby apartment complex.