Morris's co-defendants, Darrean Fleming and Wesley Lambert, had previously been found guilty and sentenced to life for their roles in the murder, which occurred in the 4200 block of Pimlico Road.
City State's Attorney Ivan Bates was among the men who greeted the students in the tradition's 11th year.
“This year has been historic for our city. For the first time in nearly 50 years, Baltimore has recorded fewer than 100 homicides.
“As Baltimore’s young people prepare to head back to school, it is crucial that they have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates in a statement to the AFRO.
On Monday Dandre Woods-Bethel was handed two Life sentences for shooting and killing Michelle Green and Julie Rice on Clifton Park Terrace.
Lamont Johnson was sentenced to 60 years, with all but 40 years suspended, for second-degree murder and use of firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in connection to the death of 21-year-old Tiwan Wilson.
“Everybody has a plan. The mayor had his plan. The police department, they have their plan,” Bates said. “And when I came and I ran for office, I had my plan. The plans have to work together as one.” Bates is quick to attribute the city’s reduction in violence to a team effort. For example, without victim assistance – which is supported by a federal grant – prosecutions that would have fallen apart in previous years concluded in convictions because witnesses could be found to appear in court. Police now are actually focused on removing illegal guns from the street, he said.
King was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and three firearm violations for killing 40-year-old Marcus Holloway and injuring an uninvolved onlooker during a shooting that occurred Nov. 18, 2024, on 1900 block of Edmondson Avenue. Jurors found him guilty July 23 of six of his eight charges, but failed to reach verdicts on his assault charge and one count of firearm possession as a prohibited person.
"I applaud Ivan's efforts in doing this. I think he's got a good mindset, but it has got to be a collaborative approach in partnership with (the Department of Juvenile Services)," said Sen. Bill Folden, R-District 4.
