Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Grandmother and Granddaughter in Middle River

Bryan Cherry accepted a plea deal for two counts of first-degree murder before the trial could begin.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 38-year-old man named Bryan Cherry has pleaded guilty to killing a 75-year-old grandmother named Iona Summers and her 29-year-old granddaughter Autumn Harvey in Middle River, Maryland in July 2024. Cherry accepted a plea deal on Tuesday, just as jury selection was about to begin for his trial. The state will recommend life without parole for the first murder count and a concurrent life sentence for the second.

Why it matters

This case garnered significant attention in the Baltimore area due to the brutal nature of the killings and the fact that the victims were an elderly woman and her young adult granddaughter. The plea deal means the victims' families will see justice served without having to go through a full trial, while also ensuring the public is protected as Cherry will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The details

According to the details revealed, both Iona Summers and Autumn Harvey suffered severe blunt-force trauma and lost a significant amount of blood in the attack. During the jury selection process, a number of potential jurors expressed difficulty with seeing the graphic evidence and said they would place great weight on scientific evidence like DNA and digital forensics.

  • The murders took place in July 2024.
  • Cherry accepted the plea deal on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, just as jury selection was about to begin for his trial.

The players

Bryan Cherry

A 38-year-old man who pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder for killing Iona Summers and Autumn Harvey.

Iona Summers

A 75-year-old grandmother who was killed in the attack.

Autumn Harvey

The 29-year-old granddaughter of Iona Summers who was also killed in the attack.

Scott Shellenberger

The Baltimore County State's Attorney who said the plea deal ensures justice is served and the public will be protected.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are extremely pleased that the families of the victims in this case will see that justice has been served, and the public will be protected while he serves life without parole.”

— Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County State's Attorney

What’s next

Sentencing for Bryan Cherry is expected to happen at a later date, where he will receive life without parole for the first murder count and a concurrent life sentence for the second.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the importance of ensuring violent offenders are kept off the streets to protect the public, while also providing closure for the victims' families through a just outcome. The plea deal spares them the ordeal of a full trial, while still delivering the maximum possible sentence for the heinous crimes committed.