Ex-Girlfriend Testifies Against Defendant in Double-Homicide Trial

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Tyrone Payne’s ex-girlfriend took the stand April 9 to testify against him on the second day of his double-homicide trial.

Payne, 24, and co-defendant, Vincent “Smurf” Harris, 27, are charged for the fatal shooting of Di’Shon Smith, 20, and Deshaun Waters, 21, in the 3200 block of Hollins Ferry Road. Payne is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and two of firearm use in a felony or violent crime, as well as several other charges in connection to the July 25, 2023 incident. Smith died at the scene despite lifesaving measures, and Waters died two days later in a hospital.

According to charging documents, area surveillance footage captured three men opening fire at a group of people gathered in the building before fleeing with a getaway driver in a silver Nissan. The car, which bore no license plate, was recovered the next day in the 500 block of Millington Avenue.

Payne’s ex-girlfriend testified the Nissan was her car, and that Payne took her car to the incident. She alleged he instructed her to lie to law enforcement that her car had been stolen.

“I was afraid to call the police and tell a lie,” Payne’s ex-girlfriend told the prosecution. She described her relationship with Payne as “toxic and violent.”

A Baltimore Police Department crime lab technician presented photographs taken at the crime scene, including one showing the multiple gunshot wounds Waters sustained. Members of Waters’ family who were present at the trial let out gasps, and one broke into tears and exited.
The trial continues with Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Troy K. Hill presiding.