Wesley Lyons Jr., a 35-year-old man, was convicted yesterday by a Harford County jury for his role in a shooting that occurred at a birthday party inside Harford Mall. Lyons faced charges of second-degree attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and multiple firearms charges. The verdict came after a four-day trial, according to WBALTV.
The incident, which took place on June 2, erupted into gunfire at the Harford Bounce Party Place during Lyons' child's 1-year-old birthday celebration. Found holding a handgun, Lyons was involved in a fight that led to him shooting a man who was helping set up the party and attempting to defuse the situation: the victim, a 42-year-old man, sustained injuries to his thigh, groin, and finger. After firing the shots, Lyons managed to elude authorities, leading them on a nearly monthlong manhunt before being captured in an Anne Arundel County hotel room, as reported by CBS News Baltimore.
During the trial, it was disclosed that Lyons, prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal history—including a 2017 conviction for possession with intent to distribute and a 2009 robbery conviction—disregarded the law and endangered many. Court testimonies and documents revealed business surveillance captured the detrimental recklessness of the shooting, evincing Lyons' disregard for the safety of others, including the two adults and two children who were nearby behind the injured man, according to WBALTV.
Two other individuals, Lisa Gregg and Lateia Green, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident. Gregg is identified as Lyons's mother, and Green is his girlfriend. Harford County State's Attorney Alison Healy spoke to the impact of such violence on bystanders, "It is despicable that anyone would resort to gun violence to resolve their issues. However, I am particularly appalled by Wesley Lyons and the decision he made to commit this heinous and very violent crime at the birthday party for a 1-year-old child," according to the statement reported by CBS News Baltimore. Healy further emphasized the threat Lyons posed to all those present at the event.
Lyons is set to face sentencing on February 13, 2025.
