Podcast Summary: True Crime with Kendall Rae
Episode: Baron Li Survives 9 Gunshots & Is Here To Tell His Story
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host/Author: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios
Guest: Baron Lee
Introduction
In this deeply moving episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall Rae sits down with Baron Lee, a resilient survivor who has endured unimaginable hardships. This is the first time Kendall interviews a survivor directly, allowing Baron to share his harrowing story of abuse, betrayal, and survival. Through his narrative, Baron not only recounts the events that nearly took his life but also sheds light on systemic failures in the foster care and family court systems.
Early Life and Foster Care
Baron Lee, born in July 1972 in Thailand, faced severe abuse from both parents, leading to his placement in the foster care system in Hawaii at the tender age of three. Over 17 years, he experienced 17 different placements, including group homes and juvenile detention centers.
Notable Quote:
"My experiences in foster care helped mold me into the man I am today."
— Baron Lee [04:43]
Despite these challenges, Baron maintained his resilience and kindness, qualities that would later define his character.
Move to Las Vegas and Marriage
At 22, amidst the economic downturn in Hawaii post-Gulf War, Baron impulsively moved to Las Vegas in 1994, where he thrived working as a casino dealer. His sociable nature allowed him to build meaningful relationships, notably with Didi, a fellow Thai native who played a pivotal role in his life.
In October 2010, Baron married Sharon Kelly, whom he met online and subsequently moved to Washington with. They welcomed their son, Eric Dragon Lee, in April 2014.
Birth of Eric and Medical Complications
Shortly after Eric's birth, his parents noticed signs of jaundice, a common condition in newborns. Initially managed with indirect sunlight, Eric's condition worsened, revealing a severe case of hyperbilirubinemia—a result of untreated galactosemia due to negligence by the birthing center.
Notable Quote:
"The birthing center sent a nurse to do a genetic testing on my son, left the lab sample in the back of her car for a week."
— Baron Lee [11:04]
This oversight led to Eric suffering from cerebral palsy, dystonia, vision issues, and other health complications, necessitating 24-hour care.
Custody Battle and Relationship Breakdown
Baron's relationship with Sharon deteriorated due to her postpartum depression and neglect of Eric's needs. By 2015, their marriage unraveled amid false accusations from Sharon alleging abuse, leading to a contentious custody battle. The court system swiftly favored Sharon, stripping Baron of legal custody and imposing exorbitant child support payments of $6,000 per month.
Notable Quote:
"Women are not the only victims. Men can be victims, too. In this case, I was a victim who was painted to be the perpetrator."
— Kendall Rae [16:31]
These allegations resulted in Baron losing custody of Eric and becoming homeless, forcing him to flee Washington in hopes of regrouping and reclaiming his son's life.
The Shooting Incident
On July 10, 2020, while Baron was at work on his day off, he was ambushed and shot nine times by an unknown assailant. Despite the severe injuries, including a shattered arm and multiple gunshot wounds, Baron survived the ordeal—a feat earning him the nickname "Asian 50 Cent."
Notable Quote:
"Life may knock me down, but it can't keep me down."
— Baron Lee [47:40]
Baron's remarkable survival was attributed to his unwavering strength and determination to protect his son, Eric.
Investigation and Culmination
Investigators initially viewed the shooting as a random act of violence but soon realized signs pointing towards a targeted attack. Security footage led police to two teenagers, Quincy and Joseph Good, who were found to be complicit in the plot orchestrated by Sharon Kelly. Evidence uncovered included a tracking device linked to Sharon and text messages detailing her solicitation for murder.
Sharon, Quincy, and Joseph were arrested and charged accordingly:
- Quincy Good: Pleaded guilty to assault in the first degree; sentenced to 8 years and 10 months.
- Joseph Good: Pleaded guilty to attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm; sentenced to 12 years and 8 months.
- Sharon Kelly: Pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit murder in the second degree; sentenced to 165 months.
Notable Quote:
"Forgiving the boys wasn't something I thought about right away. It actually took me some time to think about everything that transpired."
— Baron Lee [63:02]
Despite receiving forgiveness and advocating for lesser sentences for the teenagers, Sharon's sentencing was met with outrage for being disproportionately lenient given her role in the attempted murder.
Advocacy and Systemic Issues
Baron's experiences have galvanized him to fight for systemic changes, particularly in advocating for fathers' rights and reforms in the foster care system. He co-founded Route 21, a nonprofit aimed at mentoring foster youth, and launched a general contracting company to provide job training and employment opportunities for those aging out of foster care.
Additionally, Baron is actively involved in pushing for the Washington Initiative for Boys and Men and supporting House Bill 1266, which seeks to create commissions to better represent boys and men in legislative processes and the court system.
Notable Quote:
"The main reason I lost custody of my son is that we have a broken family court system here in the state of Washington and many states across the country."
— Baron Lee [69:47]
Call to Action
Kendall Rae urges listeners to support Baron's initiatives by following him on social media, donating to Route 21, and advocating for legal reforms to support fathers and foster youth. She emphasizes the importance of community support in amplifying Baron's message and aiding his ongoing battle for legal custody of Eric.
Notable Quote:
"Nothing will ever keep Baron Lee down. He has exhibited so much strength throughout all of this."
— Kendall Rae [47:40]
Conclusion
Baron Lee's story is a testament to human resilience and the enduring fight for justice and familial love. His journey from a troubled childhood through systemic failures to surviving a near-fatal attack highlights critical issues within our societal structures. Through his advocacy and nonprofit work, Baron strives to create a better future for others facing similar adversities.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with Baron's work, support his initiatives, and advocate for the systemic changes he champions, ensuring that stories like his inspire meaningful transformation.
Support Baron's Work:
- Follow Baron Lee on Social Media: Baron B Lee Link Tree
- Donate to Route 21: Route21.org
- Support Baron's GoFundMe: Gofundme Link
Support the Show:
- Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Watch on YouTube – Search "Kendall Rae"
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Baron Lee's incredible story of survival, his fight against systemic injustices, and his ongoing efforts to advocate for change. Notable quotes with timestamps provide direct insights from the speakers, enhancing the narrative flow and engagement for those who haven't listened to the episode.