Gordon Staron Faces Life in Prison for Killing Two Men in Separate Incidents
A man has pleaded guilty to strangling his deaf cellmate in Baltimore’s jail two years ago, marking the conclusion of a case that brought attention to issues within the city’s detention center and its overburdened court system.
Details of the Strangulation Incident
Gordon Staron, 35, admitted to killing 34-year-old Javarick Gantt, a deaf inmate who relied on sign language to communicate. Gantt, who was jailed for minor charges stemming from a 2019 domestic dispute, had expressed concerns about his safety in the weeks leading up to his death. Despite those concerns, he was housed with Staron, a murder suspect at the time.
The two were locked in their cell for nearly 12 hours before Gantt was found dead. Court records indicate that other inmates reported hearing noises and banging from Gantt’s cell during the night.
Baltimore Jail Operations Questioned
The case raised significant questions about the decision to place a vulnerable, disabled inmate with a violent suspect like Staron. Jail officials have not explained why Gantt, who stood just over 5 feet tall and weighed 105 pounds, was housed with Staron, a much larger man who was already awaiting trial for a separate murder.
Staron’s Criminal History
At the time of Gantt’s killing, Staron was already charged with murdering a 63-year-old man at a Baltimore bus stop using an ax. A jury recently convicted him of that crime, and he will be sentenced for both murders on December 19.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, who pledged to pursue justice for vulnerable individuals, said he would seek life without parole for Staron.
Justice for a Vulnerable Victim
Gantt, who had been awaiting trial for months due to delays in the court system, was targeted by bullies during his time in jail. His loved ones had repeatedly voiced concerns about his safety, and his tragic death has highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
Awaiting Final Sentencing
Staron’s sentencing will take place in December, where he faces the possibility of life in prison without the chance of parole. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive for the killing of Gantt or the earlier murder, but the outcomes of these cases are expected to keep Staron off the streets permanently.
