In a tragic incident in a North Baltimore neighborhood, 35-year-old James Lebar, a White male, was found shot to death on May 13, 2020. The event unfolded at a home in the 300 block of East University Parkway. Police reports indicate that Lebar was shot by Michael Franko, an 84-year-old retired educator, who then took his own life in what was determined to be a murder-suicide.
The relationship between the two men was described as challenging.
Lebar had been living in the basement of Franko's home for several years. Neighbors in the community expressed their shock and disbelief following the incident, as Franko was known to be a kind and sociable person with no prior indications of violent behavior. It was noted that Franko had been grieving the recent loss of his longtime partner to cancer, which may have been a contributing factor to the tragic events.
The investigation into the deaths concluded that it was a murder-suicide, and as the perpetrator was deceased, no arrests were made. The police did not provide a definitive motive for the shooting. The case remains a somber event for the community, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships and the profound impact of grief.
