Following an extensive investigation into a July 6, 2024, shooting in Lexington Park, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office executed arrest warrants for two suspects on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Zemar David Tyshon Batts, 19, of Lexington Park, and a 15-year-old male juvenile were arrested without incident at separate residences in Lexington Park. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from publicly identifying a juvenile, even when charged as an adult, due to legal protections safeguarding the juvenile’s identity throughout the judicial process.
The juvenile, charged as an adult, and Batts both face two counts each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree assault. In addition, Batts has been charged with two counts of firearm use during the commission of a felony or crime of violence and possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21. The juvenile is also charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.
Sheriff Steve Hall said, “These arrests are a testament to the unwavering determination and investigative work done by our office. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are steadfast in this commitment.”
The suspects are being held at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown pending bond hearings.
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Original News Release
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Shooting Incident
LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 8, 2024) – On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired in the 21000 block of Pacific Drive in Lexington Park.
Witnesses told deputies they saw individuals in two vehicles near Pacific Drive in the area of Columbus Drive as an occupant of one vehicle was shooting at the other vehicle. The vehicles were not located, and shell cases were recovered. No injuries were reported. One bullet was later located that had struck a residence in the area.
The Criminal Investigations Division has assumed the case, and anyone with information about it is asked to contact Detective Benjamin Raley at Benjamin.Raley@stmaryscountymd.gov or by phone at 301-475-4200, ext. 8076.
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