BALTIMORE, MD – A 67-year-old man has officially pleaded guilty to a violent 2025 shooting that left one senior dead and another injured inside a local retirement community.
The Pleasant View Gardens Tragedy
The incident occurred on February 20, 2025, at the Pleasant View Gardens senior living community in the 100 block of N. Central Avenue. According to court records, Norman Waker killed 79-year-old Clyde Barnes and wounded another resident following a dispute allegedly involving just $80 worth of cigarettes.
Police found Barnes slumped over on a couch inside his apartment. The second victim, a neighbor who had come to check on Barnes after hearing gunfire, was shot by Waker before the suspect fled the scene.
Justice After Mistrial
This guilty plea comes after a complex legal battle. In October 2025, the case originally ended in a mistrial when a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict after four days of testimony.
Waker has now pleaded guilty to several charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Use of a firearm in a crime of violence
State’s Attorney Statement
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates condemned the violence, stating that senior living facilities are meant to be safe havens for older adults to live with dignity. “The Defendant’s actions were completely inexcusable and resulted in devastating consequences for this community and the families affected,” Bates said in a statement.
Sentencing and Impact
The conviction marks a significant moment for the residents of Pleasant View Gardens, who were shaken by the breach of security in their home. Details regarding Waker’s official sentencing date have not yet been released.
