McKEESPORT, Pa. — A 46-year-old McKeesport resident has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms offense linked to a deadly March 2023 shooting at a local apartment complex, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Desmond Dontae Lee, also known as Desmond Donte Lee Belton, admitted to a single count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, the office confirmed in a Friday press release.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on March 1, 2023, when Lee and his son were among a group of people gathered outside a McKeesport apartment. When a resident of the complex confronted the group and asked them to disperse, tensions escalated. One individual in the group struck the resident, prompting the resident to fatally shoot the attacker in self-defense, according to authorities.
Shortly after, officials say Lee entered a neighboring apartment, exited through the rear, and fired five rounds from a 9mm semi-automatic pistol into the resident’s unit. He then fled the scene.
Minutes later, Lee’s son allegedly shot and killed the resident outside the apartment, authorities reported.
Although the firearm used by Lee was never recovered, Allegheny County Police recovered spent shell casings at the scene that confirmed shots were fired from his direction.
Lee has prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and firearms violations under Pennsylvania law. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Senior U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer scheduled Lee’s sentencing for July 15. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case is being prosecuted as part of ongoing federal efforts to combat violent crime involving firearms in western Pennsylvania.
