Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gale E. Rasin found 63-year-old Tyrone Kirby Epps mentally competent to stand trial today Oct. 15 in connection to the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Paul Lee on Nov. 13, 2024.
Footage captures Epps allegedly engaging in a verbal altercation with Lee before fatally shooting at him in an apartment lobby oin the 500 block of E. Preston Street.
Epps is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a felony or violent crime, reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person, and firearm possession with a prior disqualifying felony conviction.
During the hearing, the court reviewed medical reports that determined Epps is mentally competent and remains criminally responsible for his actions. Defense attorney Mary L. Patton told the court they have retained an expert to provide opinion on Epps’ criminal responsibility status.
Judge Rasin ruled beyond a reasonable doubt that Epps is competent to stand trial. The defense may request a postponement to allow a private doctor to review the criminal responsibility findings.
To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and help his attorney defend the case.
Epps’s trial is set to begin Dec. 1.
