The Dallas Police Department has confirmed that the investigation into the 2018 murder of comedian Roy Lee, also known as Roy Payton, remains active. This announcement follows the recent arrest of rapper Yella Beezy, who has been charged in connection with the murder of another Dallas artist, Mo3. The timing of these developments has raised questions about possible connections between the two cases.
Roy Lee was shot on September 25, 2018, while sitting in his vehicle in the Preston Valley Shopping Center area. He succumbed to complications from his injuries on October 13, 2018. According to the police report, he was shot in the leg, which led to a series of health complications, ultimately resulting in his death from a blood clot in his lungs. The Dallas Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding this case to contact their cold case unit.
The renewed focus on Roy Lee’s murder comes in the wake of Yella Beezy’s arrest, which has prompted speculation about a potential link between the two cases. Prior to his death, Roy Lee was known to have had a public altercation with Yella Beezy, which included a series of heated exchanges that were widely discussed in local media and on social platforms. The two were involved in a rivalry that escalated shortly before Roy Lee’s shooting.
Notably, both Roy Lee and Mo3 were part of the Dallas hip-hop scene, and their deaths have drawn significant attention to violence within the community. Mo3’s manager has previously stated that after Roy Lee’s murder, tensions in the Dallas music scene heightened, further complicating the dynamics among local artists.
Dallas police have indicated that cold cases often see an increase in public cooperation once a suspect is arrested or a key figure is apprehended. Officers are hopeful that the recent developments surrounding Yella Beezy may lead to new information in the Roy Lee case. The police department is actively seeking witnesses or anyone with potential leads to come forward to assist in resolving the ongoing investigation.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Roy Lee’s death have left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the broader Dallas community. His contributions to local comedy and entertainment are remembered fondly, and many hope that justice will be served in his case.
As investigations continue, the Dallas community remains on alert, grappling with the implications of ongoing violence within its artistic circles. The Dallas Police Department encourages anyone with information related to Roy Lee’s murder to reach out, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such cases.