LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 5, 2025) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that a St. Mary’s County jury found James Jerome Adams, Jr., 20, of Great Mills, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence for his role in a shooting homicide in Great Mills, Maryland.

On April 4, 2023, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the parking lot of the Sheetz on Old Great Mills Road in Great Mills, Maryland, for a report of gunfire. A thorough investigation including surveillance footage revealed that Adams and several others carried out a coordinated attack on a 26-year-old victim who was at the convenience store. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

“The Defendant’s actions stole a young man’s life and endangered many others in a brazen act of gun violence carried out at a busy gas station,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “This conviction delivers accountability, though no verdict can bring back the life that was tragically taken that day. We will continue to stand with the victim’s family and do everything in our power by continuing to prosecute cases involving senseless gun violence to the fullest extent of the law.”

Adams was convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury following a jury trial. He will be held without bond pending sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of Life plus 20 years in prison.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier and Assistant State’s Attorney Shaye Reynolds prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Sergeant Austin Schultz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.