An Anne Arundel County jury has delivered a verdict in the harrowing case of David Winchester Jr.'s murder, which took place outside an Annapolis middle school. Marquis Mayo, age 35, has been found guilty of Felony First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime, according to a release by State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. The sentencing is on April 22 in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

In a statement that state's attorney Leitess released, the case was highlighted as a grim example of why Felony Murder laws are necessary in Maryland to "hold every person responsible when individuals take part in violent felonies - such as robbery and kidnapping - and someone is murdered during that felony."

According to the Anne Arundel County news release, the incident began on March 28, 2024, when Annapolis Police were alerted to a body discovered in a wooded area near Wiley H. Bates Middle School. The victim, later identified as Winchester, bore gunshot wounds to the back of his head and was found in a compromising position. Nearby residents reported hearing sounds consistent with gunfire in the early hours of the morning. Surveillance footage from the scene and the surrounding area captured a blue Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, leading investigators to piece together the events that transpired.

The investigation quickly escalated when detectives were informed that Winchester had been kidnapped in Baltimore City. The tension in this unfolding situation grew as it was revealed that his abduction was connected to an armed home invasion involving his mother. Baltimore police recounted how the assailant had appeared at her doorstep, announcing that Winchester was being held hostage outside. The assailants were unsuccessful in their demand for money but left with Winchester in their vehicle. According to the investigation, detectives identified the vehicle's owner as Monae Fincher, whose ex-husband, Jamar Fincher, and Mayo were all implicated in the crime based on information from a confidential source.

Assistant State's Attorneys Glen Neubauer, Joshua Adrian, and Shane Nolan led the prosecution, with presiding Judge Cathleen M. Vitale. As the community seeks closure for this brutal act of violence, the conviction serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that follow such heinous acts.