A Most Wanted Violent Offender Returns to Court For Triple Shooting

By Rudy Malcom [former] - August 12, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant, previously one of Baltimore’s five most wanted violent offenders, is set to return to court next month.

Baltimore resident Lenny Epps allegedly killed 18-year-old Alissa Traylor on Jan. 23 during a home invasion on the 600 block of Lakewood Avenue, according to the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City. The same shooting also left two other victims, a man and a woman, with non-fatal injuries.

On Aug. 12, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn presided over Epps’ pretrial conference.

A lawyer standing in for Epps’ defense attorney said Epps previously rejected an offer of life for first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. Under the plea, Epps would concurrently serve 20 years for firearm use in a violent crime and 15 years for possession of a firearm with a prior felony conviction.

The police’s investigation suggested that Epps, 41, was dating the tenant of a residence near the crime scene. Additional information indicated that Epps had become angry with the victims following a confrontation days before. Epps’ identity was confirmed after a search of his girlfriend’s apartment. A witness also identified Epps in a photo array.

According to ABC Baltimore, Epps was arrested on Feb. 7. The following month, a Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted him for the triple shooting.

Judge Phinn scheduled Epps’ case to return to reception court on Sept. 9.

Epps is also charged with attempted second-degree murder, two counts of home invasion and first-degree assault, and another charge each of attempted first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent crime, and possession of a firearm with a prior felony conviction.

If convicted of all charges, he would face a maximum of three life sentences plus 100 years.