Anne Arundel County Jury Finds Man Guilty in Connection With 'Execution Style" Murder Near Bates Middle School

An Anne Arundel County jury delivered a guilty verdict against a 35 year old man on earlier this week for the kidnapping and execution-style murder of David Winchester Jr. outside a middle school in the Annapolis  marea last spring, as announced by State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Marquis Mayo, 35, (pictured above) was convicted of Felony First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime. 

Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025, at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis.

"This case illustrates the need for the Felony Murder laws in Maryland that hold every person responsible when individuals take part in violent felonies - such as robbery and kidnapping - and someone is murdered during that felony," Leitess said. "Currently, our Maryland General Assembly has a bill before it where legislators propose to curtail the use of Felony Murder law so that all of those involved in the felony won't be liable for the death of a victim.

"This case was one that involved four individuals present when David Winchester was violently kidnapped and held inside a car while two of the individuals committed an armed home invasion at his mother's home, and then later executed him. We are fortunate that we could bring justice for Mr. Winchester's family, who were themselves victims in this case. Police and prosecutors should not be prevented from holding violent felons accountable when those felonies also involve the death of victims. I am thankful to the jury for this verdict, which I hope leads to some closure for the family and loved ones of Mr. Winchester."

Annapolis Police found David Winchester Jr., 47, (pictured below) deceased with gunshot wounds to the back of his head in a wooded area near Wiley H. Bates Middle School on March 28, 2024.

Police began ivestigating a shooting and found footage of a blue Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The vehicle was seen leaving the area and was later linked to a hostage situation in Baltimore. The suspects, Monae Fincher, Jamar Fincher, and Mayo, were all identified and charged.

It was soon learned that Fincher was the ex-wife of Jamar Fincher, who had recently been released from prison. A confidential source told police of Mayo's involvement in the killing.  The status of the cases against Monae Fincher and Jamar Fincher  were not immediately available.