Norman Waker fatally shot 79-year-old Clyde Barnes and struck another man in February of 2025

Baltimore, Md. (March 13, 2026) – Today, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Defendant Norman Waker pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and two counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence and was sentenced to 60 years, suspending all but 25 years, with the first 10 years without parole and five years of probation upon release. The Defendant fatally shot 79-year-old Clyde Barnes and non-fatally shot another resident at the Pleasant View Gardens senior community. Assistant State’s Attorney Victoria Yeager prosecuted this case.

“This tragic act of violence shattered what should have been a place of comfort, care, and security for older adults. Senior living facilities are meant to serve as safe havens where residents can live with dignity and peace — not places where fear and violence take hold,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “The Defendant’s actions were completely inexcusable and resulted in devastating consequences for this community and the families affected. I am grateful to ASA Yeager and BPD’s Homicide detectives who worked diligently to secure this conviction.”

On February 20, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., Baltimore Police responded to a report of a shooting at the Pleasant View Gardens senior community located at 110 N. Central Avenue. A fatal victim, Clyde Barnes, was found on the couch inside apartment 213, and a non-fatal victim was located in another apartment suffering gunshot wounds.

The non-fatal victim stated that he heard suspected gunshots and went to the hallway, where he observed the suspect entering Mr. Barnes’ apartment. The non-fatal victim entered the apartment to check on Mr. Barnes and observed him slumped over on the couch. The suspect was in the apartment and then shot the non-fatal victim before going through his pockets and leaving the apartment.