Baltimore Gang Member to Serve 2 Life Sentences for 2023 Double Murder

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Tyrone Payne Jr, 23 was convicted on Aug. 21 and sentenced to two life sentences on Aug. 21 for fatally shooting 20-year old Di’Shon Smith and 21-year old Deshaun Waters in 2023.

Payne was convicted of multiple counts, including two counts each of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a crime of violence, and related gun and false statement violations. The double homicide occurred July 25, 2023, on the 3200 block of Hollins Ferry Road. Co-defendant Vincent Harris, 27, was convicted May 15 on similar charges.

Prosecutors described the shooting as a “carefully orchestrated attack in a heavily trafficked public place at suppertime, still daylight, and was an organized getaway vehicle and an organized setup.” They called Payne a “public threat,” referring to his gang affiliation, probationary status at the time of the double murder, and extensive social media activity where he referred to himself as “Mr. Murder.” Instagram posts entered into evidence showed him boasting about gun violence and gang involvement both before and after the killings.

Four suspects were involved in the fatal shooting. The group consisted of a driver and three shooters, all with their faces fully covered and reportedly aware of surveillance cameras in the area.

“He inflicted this much damage on a community,” the prosecution said.

Smith’s and Waters’ mothers delivered impact statements prior to Payne’s sentencing.

“I will never forget seeing my son on the ground fighting for his life,” said Waters’ mother. “There is nothing you can do to gain my sympathy or forgiveness…the only peace I have is knowing your life is over, too. I pray that the rest of your days are as hard as mine and I hope Deshaun haunts you for the rest of your life.”

“Tyrone Payne destroyed my family, and I hope he goes to jail for the rest of his life,” said Smith’s mother. “I hope he feels the pain that he gave us.”

Defense attorney James Sweeting III asked that the court review Payne’s pre-sentencing investigation and weigh Payne’s tumultuous life history prior to determining a sentence. Sweeting noted Payne’s struggles, including mental health issues such as schizophrenia and childhood abuse that “pour into where we are today.”

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Troy K. Hill approved a request by Sweeting to merge both Payne’s counts of first-degree murder with both his counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a leniency that removed the possibility of additional sentences.

Despite Payne’s schizophrenia diagnosis, the prosecution noted he did not demonstrate a disorganized mind while carrying out the crime. The car used in the shooting belonged to Payne’s girlfriend, who falsely informed investigators upon Payne’s orders that the vehicle was stolen.

The prosecution expressed hope for Payne’s rehabilitation, stating they hoped Payne will “work on his heart and focus on others.”

“It’s going to take a long time to separate him from these thoughts and desires of violence and murder,” they said.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Payne was given credit for 574 days of time served, beginning on Jan. 26, 2024.”.