State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Leroy Christopher Neal, 48, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was found guilty of first-degree murder and related firearm charges for the killing of a 46-year-old man that occurred on November 4, 2023.

Following a three-day trial, Neal was convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury of first-degree murder, use of firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and handgun on person.

Neal faces a maximum penalty of life plus 25 years in prison and will continue to be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Maylor and Kirstin Riddle prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Kortnie Marsch of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.