In a case that underscores the growing issue of untraceable firearms in Baltimore, Deonte Price has been handed a life sentence plus an additional 40 years for the fatal ghost gun shooting of Dabrae Edwards. The Baltimore City State's Attorney, Ivan J. Bates, outlined that the early life portion will not allow for the possibility of parole, as reported by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. The non-fatal victim, who has not been named, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg but survived the encounter.
The incident, which took place on May 19, 2023, has highlighted the dangerous reality of ghost guns—weapons without serial numbers and typically assembled from kits. State Attorney Bates expressed in a statement that he hopes the sentence will at least bring some measure of comfort to the community, knowing that Price will never again harm anyone. The prosecution led by Cold Case Unit Chief and Assistant State's Attorney Kurt Bjorklund resulted from meticulous police work and support for the victims.
Analysis of CCTV footage from the Pleasant View Gardens Apartment Complex was key in reconstructing the events leading up to the shooting. The video captured Edwards parking his vehicle and his companion stepping out to converse with some individuals before an interruption by Price. "Price appeared to be restricting the non-fatal victim's movement by controlling his right arm," according to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. In a shocking act, Price then shot Edwards in the head as he sat in his car.
Following the shooting—which also caused the victim’s vehicle to crash into a rowhouse—Price attempted to flee, discarding a .40 caliber ghost gun equipped with an extended magazine and green laser. Despite his efforts to escape, authorities located him shortly after the incident, sitting on nearby steps. The Baltimore Police Department and the Cold Case Unit were recognized for their dedication to solving the case and supporting the victims.
