Alleged Payson Street Killer Faces July Trial

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During a May 10 reception hearing at Baltimore City Circuit Court, Judge Melissa K. Copeland set a July jury trial date for a man accused of shooting and killing his victim last December.

Tracy Jeter, 42, was arrested Dec. 30, 2024 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of firearm use, and one count of firearm possession with a prior disqualifying felony conviction. Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers believe Jeter shot and killed Travon Benson, 29, two weeks prior in the 200 block of N. Payson Street.

According to charging documents, on Dec. 14, 2024, at approximately 8:09 p.m., officers received two ShotSpotter alerts — one seven-round alert from the 2000 block of Penrose Avenue, and one two-round alert from behind the 200 block of N. Payson Street. From Penrose Avenue, officers recovered seven spent .38-caliber cartridge casings. On N. Payson Street, officers located Benson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his head. Medics pronounced him deceased at the scene.

While investigating, officers learned a blue 2020 Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV with Maryland tags was carjacked on Dec. 11, 2024 and equipped with a GPS tracking device. GPS data revealed the Kona, said to be driven by Jeter, was likely at both locations when the ShotSpotter alerts were triggered, and that it had stopped moving both times.

Private surveillance footage recovered from the area captured Jeter’s vehicle moving rapidly westbound on W. Saratoga Street and stopping at the mouth of an alley near N. Payson Street. Gunfire was heard ringing out in the footage, followed by multiple honks from the vehicle’s horn. The shooter was seen shortly after, fleeing the incident location.

An aviation support unit tracked the vehicle to the 2100 block of Ridgehill Avenue, where it stopped. Jeter was apprehended and agreed to speak to detectives without an attorney present. During the interview, he acknowledged operating the vehicle just prior to being taken into custody. Though his statement initially contained multiple inconsistencies, he allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle; dropping off, waiting for, and picking up Benson; and fleeing the scene.

Jeter also alleged he was forced to drive the vehicle at gunpoint. Officers transported him to the Central Booking & Intake Facility, where he was charged for carjacking the Hyundai Kona.

Jeter, who is represented by defense attorneys Gabrielle Fortuanto and Creston P. Smith, is slated for trial beginning July 28 before Judge Sylvester B. Cox.