Attorneys delivered opening statements before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry G. Williams on Dec. 10 as a bench trial began for a Baltimore man accused of gunning down 39-year-old Tyree Lee in 2019.
Lorenzo Thomas, 49, was found guilty on May 20, 2023 of first- and second-degree murder, as well as illegal firearm possession. The Appellate Court of Maryland remanded the case on Dec. 26, 2024.
Eyewitnesses to Lee’s death testified at Thomas’ original trial that they saw two suspects chase the victim down mid-afternoon on March 27, 2019. Lee was shot multiple times on the 3900 block of Penhurst Avenue while walking with his girlfriend, who claimed on the stand that a confrontation over money had unfolded the day prior between the defendant and victim.
The prosecution’s opening statement consisted of a restatement of the facts of the case. Meanwhile, defense attorney Brandon Taylor emphasized the lack of forensic or video evidence linking Thomas to Lee’s death, and told Judge Williams that an eyewitness to the shooting failed to identify Thomas from a lineup.
The trial is expected to continue with testimony from eyewitnesses and investigators.
