Thomas Lavon Moreland, 21, of Lexington Park
UPDATE 4/14/2025: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Thomas Moreland, 22, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to LIFE in prison for his involvement in the 2022 Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Carnival shooting murder.
On July 15, 2022, Moreland and others carried out a violent attack that claimed the life of a 16-year-old victim and left another teenager suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
“The Hollywood Carnival is a long-standing community event that families have enjoyed for decades. The Defendant’s vindictive and reckless actions not only devastated the victims and their families but also shattered the sense of safety in our community during what should have been a safe and fun family event,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “This sentence ensures that the Defendant will be held accountable for the terror he inflicted on the entire community.”
Following a five-day jury trial in April 2024, Moreland was convicted of:
• First-degree murder
• Attempted first-degree murder
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree assault
During the sentencing hearing, the State urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of Life in prison, emphasizing the Defendant’s complete disregard for human life and the long-lasting impact on the victims and the community that go beyond the physical trauma.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier served as the prosecuting attorney for both the jury trial and the sentencing hearing on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Detective Tyler Payne and Corporal Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.
The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.
4/15/2025: On Monday, April 15, 2024, a St. Mary’s County jury found Thomas Moreland, 21, of Lexington Park, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder for his participation in the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival shooting that took the life of one 16-year-old and left another teenage victim suffering from two gunshot wounds.
“The annual Hollywood Carnival is a treasured family tradition, but on July 15, 2022, the Defendant, along with others, orchestrated and executed a nightmarish event for those in attendance and inflicted widespread fear that rippled throughout the County and beyond,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling.
After a five-day jury trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted this Defendant of the following:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- First-degree assault
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.
Moreland will be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing, and faces a maximum penalty of Life in prison.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Sarah Proctor and Alena Mosier prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Detective Tyler Payne and Corporal Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators and received support from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.
The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.
