Man Pleads Guilty to Killing in Apartment Building Lobby

Tyrone Epps admits to fatally shooting Paul Lee Jr. in 2024 incident

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:13am

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Tyrone Epps, 64, pleaded guilty on Friday to fatally shooting 33-year-old Paul Lee Jr. in the lobby of a Baltimore apartment building for seniors and those with disabilities in November 2024. Epps initially had a plea of not criminally responsible before pleading guilty to first-degree murder and a gun charge.

Why it matters

The shooting death of Lee in the lobby of his apartment building has shaken the community, raising concerns about violence and safety, especially in housing complexes meant to serve vulnerable populations like seniors and disabled individuals.

The details

According to prosecutors, evidence against Epps includes witness testimony, security video, and a jail call where Epps said he had just shot someone and was too old for jail. Lee's mother, Rhonda Miller, expressed distress that Epps seemed to lack remorse for the killing, which she said was unprovoked as her son had no known conflicts with Epps in the building.

  • The shooting occurred on November 13, 2024 in the lobby of the Johnston Square Apartments in East Baltimore.
  • Epps pleaded guilty on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Tyrone Epps

A 64-year-old man who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and a gun charge for fatally shooting Paul Lee Jr. in the lobby of an apartment building.

Paul Lee Jr.

A 33-year-old man who was killed by Tyrone Epps in the lobby of his apartment building in November 2024.

Rhonda Miller

The mother of Paul Lee Jr., who expressed distress over Epps' lack of remorse for the killing of her son.

Ivan Bates

The Baltimore City State's Attorney who said the guilty plea ensures Epps is held fully accountable for the "senseless and callous murder" of Paul Lee.

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What they’re saying

“He knew what he was doing when he did what he did.”

— Rhonda Miller, Mother of Paul Lee Jr.

“His spirit is in heaven. His face is with me.”

— Rhonda Miller, Mother of Paul Lee Jr.

“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.”

— Ivan Bates, Baltimore City State's Attorney

“You don't belong on the street. You are a menace to society.”

— Rhonda Miller, Mother of Paul Lee Jr.

What’s next

Epps is scheduled to be back in court on June 8 for sentencing, where prosecutors have asked for a life sentence with 30 to 50 years suspended.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved safety and security measures in senior and disability housing complexes, as well as the ongoing challenges of addressing gun violence and ensuring accountability for those who commit such senseless acts of violence.