In Pontiac, Michigan, a man who gained notoriety for his online efforts to expose alleged sexual predators was tragically shot and killed last week. Robert Wayne Lee, 40, known to his online followers as “Boopac Shakur,” was fatally shot during a confrontation with two teenagers at a local restaurant.
Lee’s online activities were reminiscent of the reality TV show “To Catch a Predator,” where the host would pose as an underage victim to lure alleged sex offenders into law enforcement’s hands. Lee, however, took a more direct approach, confronting the alleged predators in person and recording the encounters for his thousands of followers on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident occurred on September 29 when Lee confronted the two teenagers at a restaurant in Pontiac. The situation quickly escalated, leading to one of the teenagers shooting Lee. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The two teenagers fled the scene but were apprehended the following day by detectives working in collaboration with agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised the swift action of his team in apprehending the suspects.
Lee’s online activities had led to several criminal charges being filed against alleged predators. However, the sheriff’s office also noted that Lee had made at least one false accusation. Sheriff Bouchard cautioned against such vigilante actions, highlighting the potential for violence and the high standard of evidence required for convictions.
While the names of the suspects have not been released, the sheriff’s office anticipates that formal charges will be filed soon. Lee’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from his followers, many of whom viewed him as a crusader against child predators.