Franklin Roosevelt Lee Obituary, Death; – A 64-year-old man who was shot and killed on Friday morning has been identified as Franklin Roosevelt Lee, according to authorities on Monday.
Lee was shot at approximately 6:45 a.m. in his residence located on the 1200 block of Walnut Street, as reported by District Attorney Fran Chardo. Another individual sustained a gunshot wound to the hand during the incident but survived. Harrisburg police Lt. Kyle Gautsch indicated that this injured man is considered a person of interest in the homicide. He was released without charges following an initial interview, although the investigation remains active.
Chardo noted that investigators are considering the possibility that Lee’s death may have occurred in self-defense. This incident marks the first homicide in Harrisburg for the year 2025, with two additional homicides occurring since then, bringing the total to three for the year, in contrast to none at this time last year. This surge in violence follows a record-setting year in 2024, which saw 23 homicides.
The day after Lee’s shooting, a 57-year-old woman was fatally shot on the 300 block of Hummel Street. Neighbors informed PennLive that she was inside her home when a bullet, fired from outside, struck her after she opened her window. Police confirmed that she was not the intended target.
Additionally, a man was shot and killed around 12:15 a.m. on Monday in the vicinity of 18th and Carnation Street. Gautsch stated that authorities are investigating a potential connection between the homicides that occurred on Saturday and Monday. He emphasized that Lee’s homicide was “100% isolated” from the subsequent two incidents, but police are examining possible links between the shootings on Hummel Street and North 18th Street, as both cases may be associated with gang activity.
Last year, five of the city’s homicides were classified as gang-related. The county has a part-time gang task force collaborating with local municipalities, and members have expressed a desire to secure funding for a full-time task force to enhance the tracking of gang-related violence.
As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with any of the homicides. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Harrisburg police at 717-558-6900.
