Amir Barnes-Henderson fatally shot Gary Lee Matthews in November 2024

Baltimore, Md. (September 25, 2025) – Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced that defendant Amir Barnes-Henderson, a repeat violent offender, was sentenced to Life plus 35 years for First-Degree Murder and multiple related charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Gary Lee Matthews, age 34. Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Stock prosecuted this case.

“This sentence ensures that an individual capable of brutal and repeated acts of violence stays off our streets and out of our communities. This outcome would not have been possible without the meticulous investigative work of the Baltimore Police Department and ASA Stock’s brilliant prosecution,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “My heart goes out to Mr. Matthews’ family and loved ones, who finally have some closure to this devastating chapter in their lives. My office remains committed to removing these types of violent repeat offenders from the community to ensure families and our children have the opportunity to live, grow, and thrive in Baltimore.”

On November 21, 2024, at approximately 5:22 p.m., a Northeast District Patrol Officer with the Baltimore Police responded to reports of a shooting at 4900 Block of Frankford Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Gary Lee Mathews, unresponsive and later pronounced deceased at 5:30 p.m. 

During the investigation, it was revealed that the victim and the defendant got into a verbal altercation at One Stop Liquor Store. Witnesses described the dispute, including details of the shooting.

Barnes-Henderson has previously been convicted of multiple handgun misdemeanors that prohibit him from possessing a firearm.