Repeat Offender Found Guilty of All Charges in Fatal Frankford Shooting

Baltimore, Md. (August 4, 2025) – Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced that defendant Amir Barnes-Henderson, a repeat violent offender, was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder and multiple related charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Gary Lee Matthews, age 34. The defendant faces Life plus 25 years at sentencing on September 25, 2025. Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Stock prosecuted this case.

“This brutal act of violence, committed by a repeat offender who displayed a shocking disregard for human life, is completely senseless. Today, justice has triumphed, a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of our prosecutors who meticulously built this case, alongside our law enforcement partners who tirelessly investigated the event,” stated State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “We are also deeply grateful to the courageous witnesses who came forward to ensure that accountability prevails in our community. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in bringing closure to this tragic event and upholding the rule of law 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.