Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for ‘Axe Murder’ and Strangulation Death in Baltimore Jail

BALTIMORE—A man awaiting trial for murder who fatally strangled his cellmate in Baltimore’s jail was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Thursday.

Following his charge in a seemingly unprovoked stabbing incident, 35-year-old Staron was placed in a cell with Javarick Gantt, a deaf individual facing lesser charges who communicated through sign language. Gantt’s death in October 2022 heightened concerns regarding the management of the city’s detention center and its overwhelmed court system, although corrections officials have refrained from commenting on the cell assignment.

Staron admitted guilt for the murder of Gantt, who was 34, after a jury found him guilty in the earlier stabbing case, which prosecutors labeled an “axe murder.” They stated that Staron armed himself with an axe before driving into Baltimore and attacking 63-year-old Keith Bell at a bus stop; Bell was homeless and had only a bag of gummy bears with him.

During the sentencing hearing, Staron’s attorney presented his extensive history of mental illness and substance abuse, detailing a long series of head injuries and psychiatric conditions that date back to his childhood.

“I genuinely believe this man is dealing with severe mental health problems,” defense attorney Jason Silverstein remarked. “The only rational explanation in my opinion is that he is experiencing something in his mind that is beyond our understanding.”

He added that Staron appears to have a fragile grasp of reality but is “not a monster.” Just weeks before Gantt’s murder, a group of inmates had assaulted him, leaving him severely injured and mentally unstable as medical staff continuously altered his medications, Silverstein explained.

Silverstein requested the judge to consider providing his client with the opportunity for parole. “I do not think that imprisoning individuals without hope of release is an appropriate resolution for any case,” he stated.

However, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea Handy noted that the case details present a “picture of brutality.” She mentioned reading 13 letters from Staron’s family and friends, describing them as “beautiful and touching,” yet they did not reflect the person she observed in the courtroom.

Before imposing the life sentence without parole, the judge recognized the victims’ families, stating, “There is nothing the court can express today that will offer you comfort.”

Rick Barry Sr., Gantt’s father, shared a statement about the family’s struggle to comprehend the situation, expressing frustration over lingering unanswered questions.

“The system has failed my son,” he remarked.

The family’s central inquiry revolves around how Gantt—a small-statured, disabled man with limited communication abilities—ended up in a cell with a man suspected of committing an axe murder, highlighted attorney Andrew Slutkin, who represents Gantt’s family.

Prosecutors advocated for life without parole, emphasizing that Staron represents a clear threat to public safety. They referenced inconsistent statements he made concerning the crimes and recent psychological assessments that raised doubts about his honesty.

As Staron exited the courtroom after receiving his sentence, deputies escorted him past his family members, including his parents, sister, and aunt, who sat quietly in the gallery.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates mentioned that his office is investigating additional cases potentially linked to Staron. Bates, who was directly involved in prosecuting Staron, expressed hope that the sentencing provided some closure for the victims’ families.

“This young man will never again see the light of day or cause harm outside prison walls,” Bates affirmed.

By Lea Skene