On January 10, 2025, officers responded to the 1200 block of Walnut Street in Harrisburg after reports of gunfire. Two men inside the residence were found with gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital. Sixty-four-year-old Franklin Lee, a Black male, was later pronounced dead; his death was recorded as the city’s first homicide of the year.

Investigators determined a violent struggle occurred inside the home. The district attorney reported Lee had initiated an attack on the other man and that a handgun Lee was carrying discharged, wounding that individual. The wounded man returned fire with a different handgun, striking Lee. The shooter gave a full statement to police. Lee’s record showed prior convictions for third-degree murder and rape and a parole release in 2019; he was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

After reviewing the evidence, the Dauphin County District Attorney announced in March 2025 that no criminal charges would be filed, concluding the shooting was a justifiable act of self-defense under Pennsylvania law. Does anyone have information about what happened that night or knew Franklin Lee?