In a major legal development, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Leroy Christopher Neal, 48, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was found guilty of first-degree murder and related firearm charges. The conviction comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Scott Marvin Bernich on November 4, 2023.
Following a three-day trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Neal of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and carrying a handgun on his person. Neal faces a maximum penalty of life plus 25 years in prison and will remain held without bond pending a sentencing hearing.
The tragic incident occurred at St. Mary’s Fine Wine & Spirits in Great Mills, MD, where Bernich was shot at approximately 12:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Responding swiftly to the scene, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) patrol units found Bernich suffering from a gunshot wound. He was initially transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for urgent medical care and later airlifted to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Bernich succumbed to his injuries.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Maylor and Kirstin Riddle, who prosecuted the case on behalf of St. Mary’s County residents, underscored the gravity of Neal’s crimes and the meticulous work involved in securing the conviction.
In addition to Neal, Britny Lee Blankenship, 33, who has no fixed address, was also arrested in connection with the shooting. Both Neal and Blankenship faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and firearm use in the commission of a crime of violence.
Detective Kortnie Marsch of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, which has been critical in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
The trial, presided over by the Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis, concluded with the jury delivering a guilty verdict. State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling lauded the efforts of the prosecutors and law enforcement.
As Neal and Blankenship await further court proceedings, the community remains vigilant, hopeful for continued progress in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
