YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In 2001, Damita Lee was convicted of Arson, Aggravated Burglary, and Murder following an incident on Youngstown’s south side. Lee is now looking to be released from prison, but the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office is objecting to that release, considering the callous nature of Lee’s crime as well as her conduct during her time being incarcerated.
In April of 2001, Lee lured her victim into a vehicle, shot the victim in the head, and left the body in the vehicle. Lee then purchased gasoline and burned the vehicle with the victims’ body inside. The victims’ body could only be recognized by dental records. Lee pleaded guilty to the various crimes and was sentenced to 15 years to life for her involvement.
Since her incarceration, Lee has had numerous rule infractions, with the most recent occurring in 2024. Lee has been in physical altercations, she’s been in possession of illegal contraband, and was also ousted as the leader orchestrating a money transferring operation to an outside party. Lee would transfer money to someone outside her prison, and in return, that person would provide services, including drugs, jewelry, and clothing. Lee’s behavior consistently demonstrates a lack of respect for authority.
For all those reasons, the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, through Prosecutor Lynn A. Maro, filed objections with the parole board opposing the release of Defendant Damita Lee.
