A downtown Baltimore murder trial was postponed for a fourth time on March 6 after the defense attorney Mary Patton requested time to conduct a mental health assessment to see if the defendant could be held criminally responsible for his actions.
Tyrone Kirby Epps, 64, is charged with first-degree murder and four firearm offenses in the death of Paul Lee, 34, who was shot at Johnston Square Apartments on the morning of Nov. 13, 2024. If found guilty of Lee’s murder, Epps could face a maximum life sentence.
Charging documents state that video and audio surveillance in the area captured a verbal altercation between Lee and Epps. When the argument escalated, Epps reportedly pointed a gun at Lee, who tried to run and hide. Epps appeared to shoot Lee before fleeing the scene.
A source familiar with Epps told investigators that on the day of the murder, they received a call from Epps, who claimed he had just shot someone and was too old for jail. The source indicated that Epps was considering committing suicide on the West Baltimore railroad tracks.
Though counsel was set to begin jury selection on March 6, the court agreed to postpone the matter to allow the defense to conduct a psychological evaluation of Epps.
“The crux of Mr. Epps’ defense is his mental state,” Patton said.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland granted a 14-day postponement after Judge LaZette C. Ringgold-Kirksey transferred the case to reception court.
Parties are now set to reconvene March 20 in reception court to resolve outstanding case matters and discuss a new trial date.
