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By
Kristen Wheeler
- May 7, 2025
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Double homicide suspect Tyrone Payne’s ex-girlfriend took the stand May 7 to testify on the third day of Vincent “Smurf” Harris’ trial. Payne and Harris were both charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Di’Shon Smith, 20, and Deshaun Waters, 21.
“The guy who was wearing skinny, tacky pants is Smurf,” Payne’s ex-girlfriend was heard to say in court before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin P. Welch. The identification was also captured on surveillance video footage, which Police Department (BPD) investigators used in identifying both defendants.
Payne and Harris faced separate trials for their alleged involvement in the July 25, 2023 double homicide, which occurred in the 3200 block of Hollins Ferry Road. The pair was arrested in January 2024, approximately two-and-a-half weeks apart.
The co-defendants face similar charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of firearm use in a violent crime, and having a handgun in a vehicle. Payne was also charged with additional counts of making false statements to the police, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, and obstructing and hindering an officer of law enforcement.
Charging documents state Harris,Payne, and a third man were standing at the incident location when they allegedly opened fire on Smith and Waters. The trio reportedly fled the scene in a 2019 Nissan Sentra, using a getaway driver
Responders pronounced Smith deceased at the scene of the crime. Waters was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he was pronounced dead two days later. Medical examiners conducted autopsies and found Smith sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the shootout, and Waters only one.
Investigators later learned the Nissan Sentra belonged to Payne’s ex-girlfriend. It was found July 26, seemingly abandoned on the 500 block of Millington Avenue. Payne allegedly instructed her to lie to law enforcement police that it was stolen.
She initially only referred to Harris by his nickname, “Smurf.” In August 2023, she confessed their true identities.
On April 14, a jury found Payne guilty on all charges but two — making false statements to the police, and obstructing and hindering law enforcement. He is expected to receive his sentence Aug. 21, before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Troy K. Hill.
Harris’ trial continues.