Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering Senior Apartment Resident

Tyrone Epps admits to fatally shooting Paul Lee Jr. in the lobby of a Baltimore apartment building for seniors and disabled residents.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:01pm

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Tyrone Epps, 64, pleaded guilty on Friday to fatally shooting Paul Lee Jr., 33, in the lobby of the Johnston Square Apartments in East Baltimore in November 2024. Epps initially had a plea of not criminally responsible before changing his plea to guilty. Lee's mother, Rhonda Miller, expressed distress that Epps does not seem to have any remorse for the murder.

Why it matters

The shooting occurred in the lobby of an apartment building specifically for seniors and disabled residents, raising concerns about safety and security in these types of facilities. The case also highlights issues around mental health, remorse, and accountability for violent crimes.

The details

Epps admitted to shooting and killing Lee in the lobby of the Johnston Square Apartments on November 13, 2024. Prosecutors said evidence includes witness testimony, security video, and a jail call from Epps saying he had just shot someone and was too old for jail. The prosecution is asking for a life sentence, suspending anywhere from 30 to 50 years.

  • Epps pleaded guilty on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • The shooting occurred on November 13, 2024.

The players

Tyrone Epps

A 64-year-old man who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting Paul Lee Jr. in the lobby of an apartment building for seniors and disabled residents.

Paul Lee Jr.

A 33-year-old man who was fatally shot by Tyrone Epps in the lobby of an apartment building for seniors and disabled residents.

Rhonda Miller

The mother of Paul Lee Jr., who expressed distress that Epps does not seem to have any remorse for the murder 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 Jr.

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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.

“Just to hear the nonchalant attitude and feel like even if they had caught him from the warrant he had, he still would have killed my son. That was his goal, his purpose, taking my son off this Earth.”

— 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 he could receive 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 disabled apartment buildings, as well as the importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring accountability for violent crimes, even among older offenders.