From The Banner · Dylan Segelbaum · · 2m
Man sentenced to life for killing two women in Middle River
Bryan Cherry will spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering a 75-year-old woman and her 29-year-old granddaughter in their home.
In brief
Bryan Cherry will spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering a 75-year-old woman and her 29-year-old granddaughter in their home. Bryan Cherry received a life sentence without parole for the July 2024 murders of Iona Sellers and Autumn Harvey, crimes that were part of a violent three-week spree with no…
Two women killed in home invasion
On July 6, 2024, Bryan Cherry entered a home in Middle River and beat Iona Sellers, 75, to death in her bed, then fatally bludgeoned and stabbed her granddaughter Autumn Harvey, 29, as she fought back.
“For whatever reason, this defendant picked their residence.”
No connection between killer and victims
Detectives found no links between Bryan Cherry and the two women he murdered. Police say he bought cigarettes at a nearby store, then walked to the home and committed the crimes.
“This situation is every person's worst nightmare.”
Part of a violent three-week spree
Cherry's killing of Sellers and Harvey was part of a crime spree that started June 26, 2024, when he stabbed a Johns Hopkins student eight times for no reason, and continued July 14 when he beat Sierra Johnson to death with a crowbar.
Judge imposes life without parole
Circuit Judge Marc DeSimone Jr. sentenced Cherry to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he pleaded guilty in March to two counts of first-degree murder. The sentence runs consecutively to other sentences Cherry is serving.
“The only thing that exceeds the brutality of these crimes is the utter lack of an explanation.”
Victims remembered as joyful, loving
Autumn Harvey's family described her as having an infectious laugh and joy for life. Her grandmother Mary Harvey said Autumn was the happiest person she knew and would visit for sweet tea.
“Autumn is not simply a name or a victim in this case. She had a beautiful life ahead of her, and that was stolen.”
Defense highlights troubled childhood
Cherry's public defender noted he grew up in a violent Baltimore neighborhood with parents addicted to crack, was removed by Child Protective Services, and later struggled with homelessness and drug addiction. He was also diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
Prosecutor emphasizes pattern of violence
State's Attorney Ivan Bates said Cherry repeatedly demonstrated a capacity for extraordinary violence and complete disregard for human life. The judge agreed, noting the randomness and brutality of the crimes made him a permanent threat.
The big picture
Bryan Cherry received a life sentence without parole for the July 2024 murders of Iona Sellers and Autumn Harvey, crimes that were part of a violent three-week spree with no apparent motive.
