In the Reservoir Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, the afternoon of October 17, 2019, was shattered by gunfire that claimed the life of 32-year-old Demetrius Tanner. A male, Tanner was discovered alongside another man, 23-year-old Frank Payne, on the 2500 block of Brookfield Avenue at approximately 3:15 p.m. Both men had sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
Originally from Bakersfield, California, Tanner was a co-owner of Papa Hill's Fish Grill.
His family described him as a driven businessman and a loving father. He was visiting Baltimore at the time of his death. The brazen daytime shooting sent shockwaves through the community, leaving friends and family searching for answers.
In the immediate aftermath of the double homicide, the Baltimore Police Department launched an investigation, releasing photos to the public in the hopes of generating leads. Law enforcement from Tanner's hometown of Bakersfield also communicated with Baltimore investigators, providing background information to aid in the case. Despite these efforts, the investigation has been met with challenges.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Demetrius Tanner and Frank Payne. The suspects remain at large, and the case continues to be an open and ongoing investigation. The families of both victims are left awaiting justice as authorities continue to seek information from the public that could lead to a breakthrough in the case.
