St. Mary’s County Jury Conviction Leads to Significant Prison Sentence in Bar Shooting Case
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Shaekwon Talib Jackson, 25, of Lexington Park, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, with 15 years of active incarceration, following his conviction in a 2025 shooting case in Leonardtown.
The sentence follows a jury verdict delivered on April 20, 2026, after a three-day trial in St. Mary’s County.
Details of the Conviction
A jury found Jackson guilty of multiple offenses stemming from a shooting that occurred on October 11, 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that gunfire erupted outside a local bar during closing time, placing multiple bystanders at risk.
Jackson was convicted of:
First-degree assault
Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence
Two counts of reckless endangerment
Court-Ordered Sentence Breakdown
The court imposed a structured sentence totaling 40 years, including:
15 years for first-degree assault (6 years active incarceration)
15 years for firearm use during a violent crime (5 years active incarceration)
5 years for reckless endangerment (2 years active incarceration)
5 years for additional reckless endangerment (2 years active incarceration)
The active incarceration period totals 15 years, with the remaining time suspended under the sentencing structure.
Prosecutor Statement on Public Safety
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling condemned the actions, emphasizing the risk posed to the public during the incident.
She stated that the defendant “brazenly opened fire” in a crowded area during closing time, noting that numerous innocent bystanders were present in the parking lot and could have been seriously harmed.
She added that the outcome could have been far more tragic, and credited swift investigative work and prosecution for securing accountability.
Investigation and Trial Team
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Shaye Reynolds and Savanna Duncan on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
The investigation was led by Detective Warren Forinash of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the proceedings.
Case Conclusion
Officials described the sentencing as a significant step in resolving a violent incident that endangered multiple lives in a public space. Prosecutors reiterated their commitment to pursuing accountability in firearm-related violent crimes within the community.
