Defendant Enters Guilty Plea for 2024 E. Patapsco Avenue Murder

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Paul Artis, 29, entered a guilty plea for the murder of 38-year-old Ondrell Mayo before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller on July 18.

Artis is charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony violent crime in connection to the deadly shooting that occurred Aug. 1, 2024, on the 900 block of E. Patapsco Avenue.

According to charging documents, an officer in the area heard five or six gunshots and rushed to the scene, where he identified Mayo lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his body and head. Surveillance footage identified the suspect as wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, and white shoes, and arriving on the scene in a beige 2006 Mercedes two-door coupe. Records indicated that the vehicle was registered to Artis.

Artis called investigators on Aug. 6, 2024 after he learned they were questioning his whereabouts on Aug 1. During the interview, he allegedly placed himself at the scene and identified himself as the person wearing the clothes seen in the surveillance footage.

Judge Geller ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Artis after he mentioned he hears voices. Artis revealed he did not take his medication the morning of the hearing, but indicated he was able to comprehend proceedings.

Artis’ sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10 before Judge Geller.