In the early hours of New Year's Day 2023, the life of 17-year-old DAsia Garrison was tragically cut short, marking her as the first homicide victim of the year in Baltimore. Just hours into the new year, at approximately 3:30 a.m., police were called to the 700 block of North Glover Street in East Baltimore following a Shot Spotter alert for gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered Garrison suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was quickly transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. At the same time, a 31-year-old man arrived at a nearby hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, believed to be connected to the same incident.
The investigation into the shooting led police to identify 26-year-old Andre Bailey as the suspect. Investigators learned that the shooting stemmed from a dispute. A witness later identified Bailey as the shooter. On January 20, 2023, members of the Warrant Apprehension Task Force located and arrested Bailey at a retail store in Harford County. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder for the death of DAsia Garrison and the attempted murder of the 31-year-old man. At the scene of the crime, investigators collected significant evidence, including 31 9mm cartridge casings, a live round, blood, clothing, and other items.
In January 2024, Andre Bailey, then 27, accepted a plea deal midway through his trial. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, use of a handgun during the commission of a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a regulated firearm. His defense attorney argued that Bailey was defending his home and family. The lawyer claimed the man who was shot and wounded, the father of Bailey's girlfriend's children, had shown up at Bailey's home with a large group of people, leading to the confrontation. During the sentencing, Garrison's mother shared the profound grief her family has endured, mourning the milestones her youngest of six children will never experience. Bailey was sentenced to 60 years in prison, with all but 20 years suspended. He will also serve five years of supervised probation upon his release.
