Authorities in St. Mary’s County have apprehended a fourth individual linked to a shooting that wounded three people in Great Mills earlier this year. Dequan Marquis Spicer, 24, of Great Mills, was arrested through a joint effort between the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. The incident occurred on May 3, 2025, near the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and Pegg Road, where deputies on patrol discovered a vehicle with four adult males, three of whom had been shot.
The shooting unfolded in the early morning hours when patrol deputies heard gunfire while conducting routine checks in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, they found the vehicle occupied by the four men. Two of the injured were airlifted to a regional hospital and listed in stable condition, while the third declined medical treatment. The fourth occupant emerged unharmed. Investigators later determined that the gunfire resulted from an altercation that had taken place the previous evening, though specifics about the dispute have not been released.
As the probe progressed, detectives identified multiple suspects. On May 6, 2025, Cameron David Louis Curtis, 22, of Valley Lee, and Peyton James Robert Curtis, 20, of Callaway, were taken into custody. Cameron Curtis faced charges including four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, four counts of second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony crime of violence, handgun in a vehicle, and loaded handgun in a vehicle. Peyton Curtis was charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, four counts of second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony crime of violence, two counts of carrying a loaded handgun on person, and two counts of loaded handgun in a vehicle. Both were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown for bond hearings.
The investigation continued, leading to the arrest of Jayshawn Maurice Bartlett, 21, of Lexington Park, on August 1, 2025. Bartlett faces 25 charges, among them four counts each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault. He also faces accusations of using a firearm in a violent crime, possessing a handgun on person and in a vehicle (including loaded variants), and four counts of recklessly discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. Like the Curtis brothers, Bartlett remains held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center awaiting trial.
Spicer emerged as the fourth suspect through ongoing detective work. He was located in North Carolina and extradited back to St. Mary’s County on July 3, 2025. On August 13, 2025, he was served with an indictment warrant at the detention center. His charges mirror aspects of the others: four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of attempted second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, four counts of second-degree assault, loaded handgun on person, handgun in vehicle, and loaded handgun in vehicle. All four suspects are currently incarcerated at the facility, with trials pending.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has handled the case since the outset, initially under Detective Warren Forinash before transitioning to Detective Sergeant Keith Moritz. The division’s efforts included canvassing the area for witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and coordinating with federal agencies for Spicer’s apprehension. The Great Mills area, a residential zone near major roadways in St. Mary’s County, has seen heightened patrol activity following the event to bolster public safety.
The sheriff’s office has emphasized proactive measures, such as increased patrols and community engagement, to prevent similar occurrences. A town hall on gun violence held in January 2025 reviewed statistics and initiatives, highlighting the role of social networks in violent crimes and the need for public cooperation. Residents familiar with the area’s neighborhoods and landmarks, like Chancellors Run Park nearby, are encouraged to report any relevant details.
The investigation into the Great Mills shooting remains active, with authorities seeking additional information to close the case. Anyone with details can contact Detective Sergeant Keith Moritz at 301-475-4200, extension 8093, or email Keith.Moritz@stmaryscountymd.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333 or by texting “Tip239” to 274637, potentially qualifying for a cash reward if leading to further developments.
