Lexington Park resident Sidney Joseph Spry has been sentenced to 75 years in prison, with 52 years of active incarceration, following two separate shooting incidents in 2022. State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the sentencing, which came after Spry was convicted of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and multiple firearm offenses.
In September 2022, Spry armed himself with two firearms and drove to his former employer’s business park, where he fired multiple rounds into an office building, aiming toward his former supervisor’s office. He then fled the scene by car. A few days earlier, Spry had fired several rounds from his apartment complex parking lot into a neighboring unit after ongoing disputes over noise complaints. Though no one was struck, bullets were later found in the bedroom near a baby’s bassinet.
Following the second shooting, police arrested and charged Spry in connection to a separate incident the day before on Expedition Drive in Lexington Park. Authorities said Spry, 27 at the time, had recently been terminated from his job. After the shooting and police response, he was located in an apartment complex in Lexington Park. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiations Team and Emergency Services Team responded to the scene. Spry was taken into custody without incident.
During a sentencing hearing, the court imposed a sentence above the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which had recommended a range of 10 to 17 years. The State requested 95 years, and Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis ultimately sentenced Spry as follows:
- Attempted second-degree murder: 30 years in prison, 18 years of active incarceration
- Use of a firearm in a violent crime: 18 years in prison, consecutive to other charges
- First-degree assault: 25 years in prison, 8 years of active incarceration
- Use of a firearm in a violent crime: 20 years in prison, 8 years of active incarceration
Sergeant Austin Schultz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Spry remains in custody following the sentencing.
Lexington Park residents were shaken by the series of incidents, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of swift intervention in preventing further harm.
