Drive-By Shooter Convicted of Murder in St. Mary's County

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

May 11

Latres Javontae Cockerham, 26, of California, Maryland

LEONARDTOWN, MD — A Maryland court has convicted 26-year-old Latres Javontae Cockerham of California, Maryland, for first-degree murder and attempted murder following a drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 19-year-old and endangered five other teenagers. The incident occurred on January 12, 2022.

State's Attorney Jaymi Sterling detailed that Cockerham and his accomplices executed the attack in broad daylight on a busy street, firing multiple shots into a vehicle occupied by the teenagers. The swift and violent act resulted in one fatality and posed a severe risk to nearby community members and other motorists.

"The Defendant deliberately maneuvered his vehicle as his co-defendants rapidly fired bullets into another vehicle, which provided for the murder of one teenager and the extreme endangerment of five others," Sterling stated. The tragedy shook the local community, and the verdict aims to bring some solace to the affected families.

Cockerham now faces the possibility of six consecutive life sentences and an additional eight years for firearm-related charges. He is currently held without bond, awaiting his sentencing hearing.

https://southernmarylandchronicle.com/2022/02/28/arrest-made-in-murder-of-19-year-old-joseph-james-oakes

The investigation was led by Sergeant Austin Schultz and Detective Taylore Nauman of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. Senior Assistant State's Attorneys Jeff Maylor and Donna Pettersen prosecuted the case, reflecting their commitment to justice for the citizens of St. Mary's County.

The trial, presided over by the Honorable Judge David W. Densford, highlighted the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement and judicial authorities in addressing violent crimes and their impact on the community.