Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Bail Denied for Leonardtown Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following Stabbing in Lexington Park

UPDATE 11/18/2024: Lucas Graham Hockaday, 23, of Leonardtown has been charged with multiple offenses after an altercation in Lexington Park on November 10, 2024. Lucas Graham Hockaday is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault. According to court records filed by Detective David M. Lawrence of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place at a residence on North Essex Drive. Hockaday is accused of attacking an adult male victim during the altercation....
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Attorney General Investigating Fatal Police Involved Vehicle Collision in Calvert County  

The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal vehicle collision following an attempted traffic stop that occurred in Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County, Maryland, on Saturday evening. The preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday November 16, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., a deputy from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was in a marked police cruiser sitting stationary in the area of MD Route 261 and 17th Street in Chesapeake Beach. The...
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UPDATE: Parents Speak Out About Hanging Incident at Barnhart Elementary School in Charles County

UPDATE 11/16/2024: New details have emerged about the incident involving a 7-year-old student at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland. According to a report by WUSA9, the boy’s parents shared their emotional experience, describing the physical and psychological impact on their son. The parents, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude that their child is alive but conveyed their distress over his injuries and trauma. “If you look at my son, he has marks under his...
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Jury Convicts Great Mills Man for Drive-By Shooting Murder of Teenager

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Keion Steven Brooks, 26, of Great Mills, was convicted of the first-degree murder of a 19-year-old victim and the attempted first-degree murders of five additional teenagers for his participation in a drive-by shooting that occurred on January 12, 2022. “I want to thank the members of the jury who rendered the verdicts of guilty on all counts. The jury intently listened to all of the testimony and considered all of the evidence...
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UPDATE: Court Clears Deputies of Wrongdoing in St. Mary’s County Murder Trial – Sentencing Scheduled for December 23, 2024

UPDATE 11/15/2024: The sentencing in the murder case of Latres Javontae Cockerham is moving forward after new evidence came to light. The State of Maryland recently shared additional information about two police officers who were involved in the investigation. After reviewing the officers’ internal records, Judge Joseph Stanalonis found nothing that needed to be disclosed to the defense, which shows there were no issues with the officers’ conduct that could affect the case. The police acted properly throughout the...
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UPDATE Police Investigating Large Woods Fire in Waldorf That Killed 94-Year-Old Man

UPDATE from the Office of the State Fire Marshal 11/14/2024: A team of investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of an elderly male victim found during a brush fire at 11560 Acton Lane in Waldorf Wednesday afternoon. On November 13, 2024, just before 4:00 p.m., Charles and Prince George’s County fire departments and Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported brush fire. Firefighters later...
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Police in Charles County Investigating Motor Vehicle Collision in Indian Head That Killed La Plata Man

UPDATE 11/13/2024: On November 12 at 4:32 p.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5900 block of Bicknell Road in Indian Head for the report of a single-car motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers located the deceased driver inside the car. A preliminary investigation showed the driver, James Stewart, 77, of La Plata, was traveling on Bicknell Road when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a telephone pole. Anyone who may have witnessed this...
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UPDATE: Wanted Hollywood Man in Custody After 5 Day Search, Police Recover 80 Firearms

11/12/2024: On November 12th, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jerod Adam Taylor at his residence on open warrants related to the ongoing investigation. 11/8/2024 – St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: On November 7, at approximately 9:23 p.m., Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to a reported domestic assault at a residence in the 20000 block of Goddard Road in Lexington Park. The suspect,...
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UPDATE: Mechanicsville Man Sentenced to 10 Days in Jail After Injuring Two in California Crash and Fleeing

UPDATE 11/12/2024: Dylan Alexander Biscoe, age 20 of Mechanicsville, was sentenced to 90 days suspended down to just 10 days with 18 months probation by Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser. Biscoe fled the scene of a crash on September 6th, 2024, on foot before the arrival of First Responders. He returned to scene after walking out of the nearby wooded area. Deputies issued multiple citations on scene. Biscoe has been sentenced for Failure to Immediately Return & Remain at...
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VIDEO: Woman Arrested After Causing Motor Vehicle Collision in Hollywood

On Monday, November 11, 2024, at approximately 3:34 p.m., police responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Loveville Road, for the reported aggressive driver who was possibly impaired. At 3:37 p.m., the 911 caller then reported the same vehicle caused a collision with unknown injuries at Three Notch Road and Clover Hill Road in Hollywood, the caller reported the female operator was out of the vehicle and “had unrestrained children”. Firefighters and emergency medical services responded to...
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Man Transported to Trauma Center with Life-Threatening Injuries After Stabbing in Lexington Park

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 6:37 p.m., police responded to the area of North Essex Drive and Hancock Road in Lexington Park, for multiple 911 calls reporting a large fight. Prior to police arrival, additional callers then stated one subject was suffering from stab wounds. Officers and emergency medical services responded to the scene to find an adult male in his 30s with multiple stab wounds to the upper-body. A helicopter was placed on standby. However, all...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Another Shooting in Lexington Park, 36-Year-Old Man Flown to Trauma Center

UPDATE: Detective Tyler Payne is the lead investigator, and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact him at 301-475-4200, ext. 8010, or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or text Crime Solvers at 274637. In the message block, type “Tip239” and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your conversation. Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown. With Crime Solvers, you...
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Prince Frederick Man Arrested for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduc

On the evening of October 21, 2024, deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were called to investigate reports of a man behaving erratically at the intersection of Sea Gull Beach Road and Dawn Road in Prince Frederick. Responding to the complaint of a male stumbling in the roadway, Deputy First Class Tunnell arrived at the scene and identified as David Michael Goad, Jr., 43, of Prince Frederick, as the individual in question. Witnesses reported slowing their vehicles to...
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Prince Frederick Man Found Passed Out at Gas Pump Arrested on Drug-Related Charges

On October 27, 2024, Deputy Campbell responded to the Wawa located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick, for a person asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle at the gas pumps. Upon arrival, contact was made with Joshua Alan Dalrymple, 30, of Prince Frederick. Deputies observed a glass smoking device with a white powdery residue (suspected crack/cocaine) in plain view. According to court records, the search revealed the following items: A used syringe on the passenger...
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reminds Citizens Statewide Burn Ban is Still in Effect

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective, November 1st 2024, in all Maryland counties. Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future. The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide. On Monday,...
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Testing of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Sirens on December 2, 2024

There will be a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester counties on Monday, December 2, 2024, at noon. This includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. All citizens should be aware of this scheduled testing and...
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Local Hospice Organization Announces Dementia Care Program for Patients and Caregivers

Hospice of the Chesapeake has launched a new and innovative dementia care program for dementia patients and their caregivers. The program, in collaboration with The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) and Aliviado Health, includes free access to the “Dementia Care Patient & Caregiver Resource...
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Leonardtown Rotary Club Recognizes Heroes During Annual “Flags for Heroes”

The Leonardtown Rotary Club held its annual Flags For Heroes celebration on November 10. Flags For Heroes recognize personal heroes both past and present with American flags displayed at the College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus. The flags will remain in place throughout November. This year, 76 heroes’ names were recognized during the roll...
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St. Mary’s County Launches New Website for Comprehensive Plan Update: “St. Mary’s 2050 – Charting Our Tomorrow”

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) is excited to announce the launch of a new website dedicated to the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update, St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow. This update will serve as a roadmap for ensuring a robust economy, directing growth, and prioritizing preservation over the...
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Trailer Fire in Indian Head Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, at approximately 2:09 a.m., firefighters from Tenth District and surrounding departments responded to the 5300 block of Browns Place in Indian Head, for the reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a working fire, and found all occupants had safely escaped without injury. Firefighters operated on...
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International Programs Student Interns Gain Experience, Enhance Learning

The NAVAIR SYSCOM Security Cooperation Office’s (SSCO) Junior Personnel Development Program (JPDP) provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable work experience while earning their degrees, network with existing team members and strengthen their marketability post-graduation. “The mission of the SSCO is to advance U.S. Strategic Objectives by establishing and growing key allied...
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Police Investigating 25-Year-Old Man Shot in Waldorf

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, at approximately 8:38 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 100 block of Sherman Road in Waldorf, for the reported shooting. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 25-year-old male was suffering one gunshot wound to an upper extremity. The victim was conscious alert and...
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No Charges After Shooting Death of 16-Year-Old Accokeek Teen, Investigation Ongoing

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting that took place Saturday night in the Largo area. The decedent is 16-year-old Kesean Hunt of Accokeek. On November 16, 2024, at approximately 9:00 pm, officers responded to the 700 block of Harry S Truman Drive for the report of a...
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California Man Charged with Child Abuse After Assaulting a 10-Year-Old Boy

On November 1, 2024, Justin Wayne Bell, 40, of California, Maryland, was arrested following an incident at an apartment complex on FDR Boulevard. The charges stemmed from a reported case of child abuse involving a ten-year-old boy. According to court documents, Deputy Glenn Knott from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a...
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19-Year-OLd Shot in Hollywood: Two Weeks Later, No Arrests and Growing Concerns

It has been over two weeks since a 19-year-old male was shot in Hollywood, prompting a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, yet no arrests have been made in connection to the shooter. Despite an initial arrest by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, charging an individual with accessory after the fact—a felony...
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Maryland’s Two-Week Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 30, 2024

Maryland’s two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 30 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population.m “The two-week firearms season remains one of Maryland’s most popular...
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Lexington Park Man Arrested After Pulling a Knife at Solomons Marijuana Dispensary After Disagreement with Management

Eric Nathan Smith, 45, of Lexington Park, was arrested on November 17, 2024, following a confrontation at Greenwave Dispensary in Solomons, Calvert County. According to court documents, deputies were dispatched to the dispensary at approximately 4:15 p.m. after reports of a man threatening people with a knife. Police arrived to find Smith, who was...
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Domestic Disturbance in Mechanicsville Leads to Three Arrests and Multiple Charges

A domestic disturbance call on Sunday, November 17, 2024, resulted in the arrest of three men at a residence on North Sandgates Road. John Edward Nichols, Jr., 34, of Mechanicsville, was arrested during the incident. Nichols, Jr. was charged with violations of protective orders and resisting arrest. John Edward Nichols, Sr., 57, of Mechanicsville,...
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Student “Hanging” Incident Sparks National Nonprofit Bullying Investigation

National Nonprofit, The One In Five Foundation For Kids, a national school violence prevention & student advocacy group, formed following the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School In Uvalde, Texas – released early Sunday morning, that after a student “hanging,” incident at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in St. Charles, MD, they say is relative...
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New Holiday Event ‘Evening Tides’ Brings Candlelight Christmas to Piney Point

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division, which oversees Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park, is excited to present a brand-new event this holiday season, Evening Tides: Candlelight Christmas at Piney Point. On Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., visitors are invited to a festive holiday evening on the grounds...
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Public Comment Hearings Rescheduled for Southern Maryland Water Utilities Rate Case

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold two public comment hearings (one virtual, one in-person) in the collective rate case for nine Southern Maryland water utilities. Public Utility Law Judge Christine L. Burke will preside over both hearings. A settlement among the parties to the case provides a revenue increase of $425,000 in total,...
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UPDATE: Student Charged After Threat of Violence at General Smallwood Middle School

Update to this case: On November 14, 2024, after conferring with the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, the student was charged with disruption of school activities, threats of mass violence, and second-degree assault. On November 12, a post was shared on a social media platform in which someone threatened to kill a specific teacher at...
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