Murder, Kidnapping Verdict Reached For Baltimore Man In Annapolis Killing: Prosecutor

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A Baltimore man was found guilty Monday in what prosecutors called an "execution-style murder" outside an Annapolis middle school.

Court records show that Marquis Mayo, 35, was found guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping in last spring's killing of David Winchester Jr., 47. Mayo was also found guilty of a misdemeanor gun charge, the case file says. He had pleaded not guilty to those counts.

Mayo's sentencing is scheduled for April 22 in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis.

"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," Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said in a Tuesday press release. "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."

Fellow Baltimore residents Jamar Fincher, 37, and Monae Fincher, 36, are also charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and gun offenses in the case.

A spokesperson for the state's attorney said it's unclear who fired the fatal shots. All three suspects, however, were charged with murder.

"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 in the release. "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 ... Police and prosecutors should not be prevented from holding violent felons accountable when those felonies also involve the death of victims."

Prosecutors said the shooting happened on March 28, 2024, around 2 a.m. in a wooded area near the track and field of Wiley H. Bates Middle School, located at 935 Spa Road.

Leitess said police found Winchester with two gunshot wounds to the back of his head.

Detectives learned hours later that Winchester was abducted in Baltimore City overnight, the state's attorney said.

Baltimore police told Annapolis officers that Winchester's mother was awoken by a knock at her door with a suspect announcing that her son was being held hostage in a car outside, the release said.

The prosecution said she started to open the door, saw a handgun and tried shutting the door, but the two men forced their way in.

The woman's daughter saw a man pointing a handgun at her mother's head while demanding money, Leitess said, noting that a second man stood nearby with a rifle.

The daughter fled to her mother's room while the man armed with a rifle chased behind, the state's attorney said.

The release said two shots were fired from the rifle through the door, but the daughter and her young child were not hurt.

Prosecutors said both men fled the home without money, driving away in a blue car with Winchester inside.

Detectives identified Monae Fincher as the vehicle owner and the ex-wife of Jamar Fincher, Leitess said.

Jamar Fincher's trial is scheduled to start on April 28. Monae Fincher's is slated to begin on Sept. 22. Neither has submitted their official pleas.

The release said a confidential source told investigators about Mayo's involvement in the killing.

Assistant State's Attorneys Glen Neubauer, Joshua Adrian and Shane Nolan prosecuted the case. Judge Cathleen M. Vitale presided over it.

Related:

• Kidnapping, Homicide In Annapolis Prompts 3 Baltimore Arrests: Police
• Baltimore Man Abducted, Found Dead In Annapolis: Police

This map shows the area where the Annapolis Police Department said it found the victim.