A 26-year-old Great Mills man, Keion Steven Brooks, has been convicted of first-degree murder and the attempted first-degree murders of five teenagers for his role in a January 12, 2022, drive-by shooting. The verdict, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, comes after a four-day jury trial in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Brooks was found guilty on all counts, including the murder of a 19-year-old victim and the attempted murders of five additional teens. According to the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, the incident stemmed from a targeted drive-by shooting that rocked the community in Great Mills.
“I want to thank the members of the jury who rendered the verdicts of guilty on all counts,” Sterling said. “The jury intently listened to all of the testimony and considered all of the evidence presented to them by both the State and the Defense over the span of a four-day jury trial.”
Brooks now faces a maximum penalty of six consecutive life sentences plus 123 years. Until sentencing, he will remain in custody without bond. The sentencing hearing date has not yet been announced.
The case was spearheaded by Sergeant Austin Schultz and Detective Taylore Nauman of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, who served as lead investigators. Their meticulous work was critical in securing the conviction, Sterling noted, as she praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and legal professionals.
“I also want to thank the dedicated law enforcement team, to include the patrol officers, detectives, crime lab technicians, legal assistants, victim witness advocates, evidence technicians, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to obtain justice for the victims and their families,” Sterling said.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna C. Pettersen and Special Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffrey R. Maylor, the Gun Violence Enforcement Division Team Captain for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case. The Honorable Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the trial.
Brooks’ case highlights ongoing efforts by Maryland officials to address gun violence. Sterling’s office, in collaboration with the Gun Violence Enforcement Division, has emphasized the importance of prosecuting such cases to deter future violence and secure justice for victims.
This conviction underscores the resolve of St. Mary’s County law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable for acts of violence that disrupt the safety and well-being of the community.
