Baltimore Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Double Murder

Aamir Benton, 25, convicted of killing two men in separate shootings over three years

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Aamir Benton, 25, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murders of Eligah Hooks and Phillip Wallace in Baltimore. Benton was convicted of fatally shooting Wallace in 2022 and Hooks just months later. The victims' families delivered emotional impact statements at the sentencing, describing the devastating loss and trauma caused by Benton's actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and repeat offenders in Baltimore, where the murder rate remains high despite efforts at criminal justice reform. The sentencing also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing and deterring such violent crimes.

The details

In September 2024, Benton's co-defendant, James Jenkins III, was acquitted of Wallace's murder, which occurred in the parking lot of Pimlico Elementary School in June 2022. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Benton and Wallace entering a car together, with Benton then shooting Wallace. Less than four months later, in September 2022, Benton shot and killed Eligah Hooks and wounded another woman. The surviving victim described how an argument with Benton escalated into the shooting, leaving her with chronic pain. Benton claimed he had already taken accountability for the killings and apologized to the victims' families.

  • In June 2022, Benton fatally shot Phillip Wallace.
  • In September 2022, Benton shot and killed Eligah Hooks and wounded another woman.
  • In September 2024, Benton's co-defendant, James Jenkins III, was acquitted of Wallace's murder.
  • On January 29, 2026, Benton was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the two murders.

The players

Aamir Benton

A 25-year-old Baltimore man convicted of murdering Eligah Hooks and Phillip Wallace in separate shootings over three years.

Eligah Hooks

A 23-year-old man who was fatally shot by Benton in September 2022.

Phillip Wallace

A 31-year-old man who was Benton's mother's boyfriend and was fatally shot by Benton in June 2022.

James Jenkins III

An 18-year-old at the time of Wallace's death and 20 during his trial, who was acquitted of Wallace's murder in September 2024.

Judge Catherine Chen

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge who sentenced Benton to 45 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“This was a violent and intentional taking of my child. You murdered two people in three months.”

— Phillip Wallace's mother

“As a single mother [with] no Section 8 [subsidized housing] or welfare, I played my part. I believe when they say you can die of a broken heart.”

— Eligah Hooks' mother

“It's crazy. I don't think of you. You really should not look me in the eyes.”

— One of Phillip Wallace's sisters

“I know who I am – a man is supposed to hold eye contact.”

— Aamir Benton, Convicted Murderer

What’s next

Upon release, Benton will be required to serve five years of supervised probation, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and maintain no contact with his victims' families.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and repeat offenders in Baltimore, where efforts at criminal justice reform have struggled to curb the city's high murder rate. The emotional impact statements from the victims' families underscore the devastating toll these crimes take on communities.