Domestic Dispute Leads to Attempted Murder Charges in St. Mary's

By David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor on June 24, 2024

John William Alvarado, 47, of Mechanicsville, Maryland

LEXINGTON PARK, MD - On the evening of June 22, 2024, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division responded to a reported assault in the 45000 block of Nicholas Court in Lexington Park, Maryland. Deputies arrived at the scene and spoke with the victim, who detailed a violent encounter with her ex-husband, John William Alvarado, 47, of Mechanicsville, Maryland.

According to the victim, she had arranged to meet Alvarado when he suddenly exited his vehicle, brandished a loaded handgun, and began to strike her repeatedly with the weapon. The victim further reported that Alvarado discharged the handgun twice before fleeing the scene. The severity of her injuries necessitated her being airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Following the incident, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division took over the case. Their investigation uncovered that Alvarado had a prior criminal conviction that legally disqualified him from possessing firearms.

The following day, on June 23, 2024, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Alvarado. Information received indicated that Alvarado was in the Leonardtown area. With assistance from the Patrol Division, detectives conducted a traffic stop, apprehending Alvarado without incident. He was promptly served with the arrest warrant.

The charges brought against John William Alvarado are extensive and include:

Attempted First Degree Murder
Attempted Second Degree Murder
Assault First Degree
Assault Second Degree
Firearm Use During the Commission of a Violent Crime
Regulated Firearm Illegal Possession
Loaded Handgun on Person
Loaded Handgun in Vehicle
Reckless Endangerment

Alvarado is currently detained at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, Maryland.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the illegal possession of firearms. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office has reiterated its commitment to addressing such incidents with the utmost seriousness and ensuring the safety of the community.

Authorities encourage anyone with additional information regarding this case or similar incidents to contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to and following the assault.