Tyrone Epps pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence for fatally shooting Paul Lee

Baltimore, Md. (March 20, 2026) – Today, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Defendant Tyrone Epps pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence for fatally shooting Paul Lee at The Johnston Square Apartments in November 2024. The Defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2026, at which time he will face a sentence of Life, suspending no less than 30 years and no more than 50 years. ASA Jeffrey Finucane and Chief Michael Dunty prosecuted this case. 

“This guilty plea ensures that Mr. Epps is held fully accountable for the senseless and callous murder of Paul Lee. At 64 years old, this conviction means the Defendant will most likely spend the remainder of his life incarcerated, unable to harm anyone else,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “While no outcome can reverse the profound loss suffered by Mr. Lee’s loved ones, we hope this resolution provides them with a measure of justice and closure. I commend the excellent work done by BPD Detectives during the investigation, as well as ASA Jeffrey Finucane and Chief Michael Dunty for their skillful prosecution of the case.”

At approximately 8:50 a.m. on November 13, 2024, Baltimore Police officers responded to the lobby of The Johnston Square Apartments located at 501 E. Preston Street. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive victim, later identified as Paul Lee, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The Victim was subsequently transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Staff at the apartment complex indicated that they suspected Defendant Tyrone Epps, who resided in apartment 414. Investigators were able to recover and review high-definition audio and video surveillance of the apartment lobby. The footage showed the Defendant approach the Victim and appear to attempt to engage in a verbal argument with the Victim. The Victim did not appear to engage back. The Defendant then pointed a gun at the Victim while the Victim attempted to retreat. The Defendant then shot at the Victim three times, striking him twice. At the time of the shooting, the Victim was attempting to hide behind another person.

Following the shooting, the Defendant fled the scene on foot and was later apprehended and provided a statement after waiving his Miranda rights. He indicated that the Victim harassed him when the Defendant moved into the building. The Defendant said he grew tired of the Victim’s behavior and admitted to getting his gun, following the Victim down into the lobby, and shooting him.