UPDATE April 6, 2023 @7:00 p.m.: A St. Mary’s County jury has found Wayne Carroll Key Jr., a 43-year-old resident of Lexington Park, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder of a child and her mother. The charges stem from the November 2021 killing of both victims.
The trial began last week and continued for eight days. Over 200 pieces of evidence were presented to the jury, and more than 40 witnesses testified. The prosecution called four expert witnesses in DNA, historical cell phone mapping, microscopy, and forensic medicine.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the jury for their patience and professionalism. “Understanding the difficult and sensitive content of the testimony and the disturbing physical evidence presented to them, the jury remained patient and professional throughout the entire trial. I want to thank them for keeping their focus and paying close attention to the tremendous amount of testimony and evidence,” Sterling said.
The lead prosecutor, Chief of the Special Victims Unit Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor, was joined by Assistant State’s Attorney Joe Boyd in presenting the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Detective Tyler Payne of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.
Several other agencies assisted with the investigation and trial, including Homeland Security Investigations, Maryland State Police Forensics, MicroTrace, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, and St. Mary’s County Geographic Information Systems.
Mr. Key will be held without bond pending sentencing. The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.
“The unimaginable killing of a child and her mother is truly despicable. Although nothing can ever bring back our innocent victims, my hope is that with these convictions the family may begin the process of healing,” Sterling said. “I want to extend a very special thank you to all of the police officers, crime lab technicians, allied agencies, and the State’s Attorney’s Office’s support staff for their assistance and involvement with helping to bring closure and justice for the victims’ family.”
The case has drawn widespread attention in St. Mary’s County, with many residents expressing shock and sadness at the brutal killing of the mother and child. While the verdict provides some measure of closure for the family, they will still have to endure the trial’s sentencing phase.
UPDATE April 6, 2023: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling just announced a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Wayne Carroll Key, Jr., 43, of Nanjemoy, of first-degree murder of a child and first-degree murder of her mother stemming from the November 2021 killing of both victims in Lexington Park, Maryland.
UPDATE: Wayne Carroll Key Jr., age 42 of Great Mills, has been located and arrested.
UPDATE 11/25/2021: The victims of the double homicide have been identified as Martina Lynn Patterson, age 37, and Lyneasha Justice Greenwell, age 6, both of Lexington Park. A warrant has been issued for Wayne Carroll Key Jr., age 42 of Great Mills for the following charges:
- Murder First Degree (two counts)
- Murder Second Degree (two counts)
- Assault First Degree (two counts)
- Assault Second Degree (two counts)
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Wayne Carroll Key Jr., is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a double homicide investigation in the 46800 block of Rogers Drive in Lexington Park, involving an adult victim and a child victim. At this time, the victims have not been positively identified.
Wayne Carroll Key Jr., age 42 of Great Mills, has been developed as a person of interest in this case. Key is also wanted on prior warrants for burglary, assault, harassment, child support, and is being sought for questioning in this homicide investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Wayne Carroll Key Jr. is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program, tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office seeks public assistance in locating or by providing information on the whereabouts of Martina Lynn Patterson. She may have her daughter Lyneasha Justice Greenwell, 12/30/14 with her. At this time it is listed as an advisory for a missing person.
The last known location is Lexington Park, MD. If you see Martina or Lyneasha please contact the Sheriff’s Office.