A Calvert County Circuit Court jury convicted Steven Anthony Gilner, 19, of Lusby, of attempted first-degree murder and related charges on January 23, 2026, concluding a five-day trial. The State presented testimony from more than 25 witnesses and introduced nearly 300 pieces of physical evidence to establish guilt.
The charges stem from a June 5, 2025, incident in Lusby, Calvert County, where Gilner conspired with two juveniles to rob an alleged drug dealer. Gilner drove the getaway vehicle to the scene and waited while his accomplices carried out the attempted robbery. One accomplice shot the victim, a 24-year-old woman from Prince Frederick, in the lower back during the encounter. The victim survived with non-life-threatening injuries and drove herself to a nearby location to seek help, calling 911 at 11:38 a.m. She was transported to a regional trauma center for treatment.
Deputies responded swiftly, locating and arresting Gilner during an investigatory traffic stop on Catalina Road. One juvenile suspect fled on foot across a golf course from a residence on H.G. Trueman Road but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Authorities recovered the suspect vehicle at a Pine Trail residence along with evidence. Initial charges against Gilner included attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed robbery with a firearm, use of a firearm during a felony, reckless endangerment, and possession of a firearm under 21. The 16-year-old juvenile faced similar counts plus additional firearm offenses, including removing a firearm’s serial number.
Both of Gilner’s accomplices, initially charged as juveniles, pleaded guilty to attempted murder charges as adults.
The prosecution was led by Assistant State’s Attorneys Christopher J. Monte and Benjamin G. Lerner. The trial focused on proving Gilner’s role in the conspiracy and the resulting shooting.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2026, before Judge Mark S. Chandlee. Gilner faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The case originated from a reported shooting on Field Road after the victim arranged to meet two males near Evergreen Drive and Field Road. A white SUV arrived, a suspect exited and approached her vehicle, and gunshots were heard. Neighbors reported the incident, leading to the rapid arrests and ongoing investigation at the time.
Sheriff Ricky Cox commended the work of patrol deputies, the Special Operations Team, and Criminal Investigations Bureau detectives in resolving the violent crime quickly, stating in a June 2025 release: “I want to personally commend the tireless work and swift action of our Patrol deputies, Special Operations Team, and CIB detectives in bringing a quick resolution to this violent crime. Their dedication to justice and the safety of our community is evident in the results of this investigation. Let this be a clear message: violent crime will not be tolerated in Calvert County. We will continue to work diligently to hold offenders accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
This conviction addresses a violent incident in Southern Maryland’s Calvert County community of Lusby, highlighting law enforcement’s response to armed robberies involving firearms and the judicial process for related felony charges.