Walter Baynes, a 30-year-old man, was fatally shot on April 19, 2018, in the Broadway East neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. At the time of the incident, Baynes was visiting his 69-year-old grandfather, George Evans. The visit turned tragic when a barrage of more than 20 gunshots erupted, striking both men. Evans, a Baptist deacon who had resided in the same home for over four decades, was shot eight times and sustained wounds to his neck and legs.
The sound of the gunfire was
captured on the body camera of Baltimore Police Officer Joseph Rodgers, who was nearby responding to an unrelated landlord-tenant dispute. Without hesitation, Officer Rodgers ran towards the sound of the shots and apprehended a suspect, 17-year-old Eric Gilyard, on Lafayette Avenue. Gilyard was subsequently charged as an adult with the murder of Walter Baynes.
Police recovered a gun from Gilyard at the time of his arrest. His lawyer maintained his client's innocence, stating that Gilyard was running from the gunfire like anyone else would have been. Authorities have indicated that they are seeking other potential suspects in connection with the shooting. The motive behind the deadly attack remains unclear.
