LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A St. Mary’s County jury convicted Jontae Lamont Proctor, 21, of Leonardtown, of first-degree murder on March 14, 2025, for his role in the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old in Lexington Park. The verdict, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling on March 17, 2025, marks Proctor’s second conviction this year, spotlighting a pattern of violent crimes in the community. Proctor faces a potential life sentence.
The murder stemmed from a February 26, 2024, incident when St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to gunfire reports in Lexington Park. They found the victim unconscious in a vehicle, suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Despite efforts, the victim died from the injuries. After a four-day trial, the jury found Proctor guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, linking him directly to the killing.
This conviction follows another guilty verdict just a month earlier. In February 2025, a separate jury convicted Proctor of first-degree assault and use of a firearm in a violent crime for a March 13, 2024, shooting into a Lexington Park residence.
“This defendant has repeatedly exhibited a blatant disregard for human life and the safety of our community,” Sterling said. “St. Mary’s County will not tolerate this kind of reckless lawlessness. These convictions ensure that the defendant will no longer be able to terrorize our neighborhoods, and our office will continue to aggressively prosecute violent offenders to keep our community safe.”
Proctor remains in custody without bond, awaiting sentencing hearings for both cases. For the murder conviction, he faces up to life in prison, while the assault and firearm charges carry a maximum of 70 years. Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier and Assistant State’s Attorney Shaye Reynolds prosecuted the case, with Detective Warren Forinash leading the investigation. Judge Joseph Bernhardt oversaw the trial.
Sentencing dates are pending, but the dual convictions signal a significant step in addressing Proctor’s violent spree. Community leaders hope these outcomes deter further crime as Lexington Park seeks stability.
