On September 10, 2025, St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Keion Steven Brooks, a 27-year-old Great Mills resident, received a life sentence plus 45 years in prison for his role in a January 2022 drive-by shooting that claimed the life of one teenager and endangered five others. The sentencing, handed down by the Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis, follows a November 2024 jury trial in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, where Brooks was convicted of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder.
The incident occurred on January 12, 2022, at 3:21 p.m., when St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Pegg Road in Lexington Park, a community known for its quiet residential streets and proximity to Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds. One teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim survived. The shooting targeted a group of six teenagers, placing all in immediate danger. The violence shocked the Southern Maryland community, prompting a swift investigation led by Detective Austin Schultz and Sergeant Taylore Nauman of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
The multi-day trial, which concluded last November, revealed the calculated nature of Brooks’ actions. Prosecutors, led by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna C. Pettersen, presented evidence that Brooks intentionally fired at the group, resulting in the death of one young victim and attempts on the lives of five others. The jury’s verdict reflected the severity of the crime, finding Brooks guilty on all counts. Pettersen, representing the citizens of St. Mary’s County, emphasized the need for accountability during the sentencing hearing, arguing that the punishment should match the gravity of the loss and trauma inflicted.
State’s Attorney Sterling addressed the outcome, stating, “This sentence demonstrates our office’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting senseless gun violence resulting in the loss of innocent life. Although we could never make each of these victims and victims’ families whole, I hope each of them can finally find peace and feel that justice has been delivered for the young man whose life was stolen and for every teenager who was targeted in this cowardly act of violence”. Her remarks underscore the county’s resolve to combat violent crime, particularly when it targets vulnerable residents like the teenagers involved.
The case highlights ongoing efforts in St. Mary’s County to address gun violence, a concern that has periodically disrupted the region’s sense of safety. Lexington Park, with its mix of suburban neighborhoods and commercial areas, has seen sporadic violent incidents, though community leaders and law enforcement have worked to strengthen local safety measures. The Sheriff’s Office, which responded promptly to the 2022 shooting, has since increased patrols and community engagement initiatives in the area. These efforts aim to prevent similar incidents and foster trust between residents and law enforcement.
Brooks’ conviction adds to a series of high-profile cases prosecuted by Sterling’s office, which has prioritized reducing violent crime since her election in 2022. The life sentence, coupled with an additional 45 years, ensures that Brooks will face severe consequences for his actions, serving as a deterrent to others. The court’s decision also reflects Maryland’s legal framework for first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence without parole, and attempted murder, which can result in significant additional penalties under state law.
The investigation relied on meticulous work by Detective Schultz and Sergeant Nauman, who gathered critical evidence to build the case against Brooks. Their efforts, combined with Pettersen’s prosecution, secured the conviction and sentencing, offering a measure of closure to the victims’ families and the Lexington Park community.
This sentencing marks a significant moment for St. Mary’s County, reinforcing the justice system’s role in addressing violent crime. As the region continues to grow, with a population of approximately 114,000 based on recent estimates, local leaders remain focused on maintaining safety and supporting affected families. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by gun violence and the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community to prevent future tragedies.
