In a Charles County courtroom, a jury delivered a guilty verdict on September 18, 2025, convicting Jermaine Christopher Stringer, 39, of first-degree murder in the death of Arick Jordan Jackson. The four-day trial, presided over in La Plata, also saw Stringer convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence and related charges. The verdict marks a significant step in resolving a case that began with a fatal shooting in a Waldorf apartment complex four years prior, shedding light on a violent encounter that left a community shaken.
On September 10, 2021, Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a gunshot at an apartment complex in Waldorf, a bustling hub in Charles County known for its residential neighborhoods and proximity to major routes like U.S. Route 301. Officers arrived to find Arick Jordan Jackson deceased in a breezeway, a grim discovery that prompted an immediate investigation. The scene, located in a multi-unit residential building, became the focal point for detectives piecing together the events leading to Jackson’s death.
Surveillance footage from the complex provided critical evidence. The video captured Jackson arriving and engaging in conversation with a group of individuals shortly before the shooting. Among them was Stringer, later identified as the suspect. The footage showed Jackson speaking directly with Stringer before heading toward the breezeway, where others had gathered. Moments later, Stringer, after briefly returning to his vehicle, approached the breezeway. Investigators noted the distinct sound of a gun being racked, a chilling precursor to the violence that followed. As Jackson attempted to flee, Stringer pursued him and fired a single shot, striking Jackson in the upper back. The wound proved fatal, and Jackson collapsed in the breezeway.
Stringer fled the scene with Darius Delonte Newman, a co-defendant who drove him away from the complex. Newman’s role in aiding Stringer’s escape led to his own conviction. On September 16, 2025, Newman was sentenced to 1,172 days—roughly three years and two months—for accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. His sentencing occurred just days before Stringer’s trial concluded, underscoring the legal system’s swift response to those involved in the crime.
Physical evidence played a pivotal role in identifying Stringer. A red plastic cup left at the scene bore his fingerprints and DNA, linking him directly to the crime. This evidence, combined with the surveillance footage, provided prosecutors with a robust case. State’s Attorney Tony Covington, who has served Charles County since 1995, emphasized the importance of such evidence in securing convictions for violent crimes. His office, responsible for prosecuting felonies and serious misdemeanors in the county, worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office to build the case against Stringer.
The trial, held in the Charles County Circuit Court in La Plata, spanned four days, with the jury deliberating on a range of charges. First-degree murder, the most serious, carries a potential life sentence under Maryland law, reflecting the premeditated nature of the act. The firearm charge, coupled with related offenses, added significant penalties. Stringer’s sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., where he faces life imprisonment plus an additional 35 years. Maryland’s sentencing guidelines allow for such lengthy terms in cases involving murder and firearms, particularly when evidence demonstrates clear intent and use of deadly force.
