Baltimore man gets life sentence for murder of a grandma, granddaughter in Middle River

A Baltimore man has received another life sentence for a double homicide in Middle River, the Baltimore County State's Attorney's announced Monday.

Bryan Cherry was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in connection with the July 2024 murders of Autumn Harvery and her grandmother, Iona Sellers. Cherry pleaded guilty to the double homicide last March.  

Iona Sellers, 75, and her 29-year-old granddaughter, Autumn Harvey, were found dead in their Baltimore County home in Middle River. Harvey had multiple stab wounds, while Sellers had blunt force trauma injuries. 

According to police, Cherry was identified as a suspect through surveillance cameras in the neighborhood. Police said they collected DNA evidence from a cigarette butt that also tied Cherry to other violent crimes. 

Earlier this month, Cherry was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the beating death of Sierra Johnson in 2024. Cherry was convicted in April in Johnson's murder.

"This sentence ensures the defendant will never be free in our community to threaten people's lives and inflict harm," City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates said about the sentencing in the Sierra Johnson case. "Bryan Cherry has repeatedly demonstrated a capacity for extraordinary violence and a complete disregard for human life."

Johnson was found dead in her Baltimore home in the 800 block of Abbott Court on July 14, 2024. She suffered trauma to her head. Cherry was arrested nearby, in the 1300 block of Homewood Avenue. 

Cherry was also serving a 40-year sentence for attempted murder in Baltimore City for stabbing a man on June 26, 2024 in the 1000 block of E. Eager Street, the Baltimore City State's Attorney said.