Search For Murder Suspect Continues After Caroline County Shooting Victim Dies

DENTON, MD – Maryland State Police have obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting death of a man during an apparent fight in Caroline County two days ago.

The victim is identified as James M. Wilmer, 30, of Denton, Md. Wilmer died late yesterday afternoon at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. An autopsy is pending.

The suspect is identified as Jamaine V. Cheers, 33, of Denton, Md. After consultation with the Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Cheers with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony/violent crime, carrying concealed deadly weapon, carrying a handgun, carrying a loaded handgun and reckless endangerment.

A search is currently underway for Cheers. The warrant for his arrest has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database and information has been communicated to police throughout the region.

Anyone who has seen Cheers or is aware of his location is urged to contact police immediately at 911 or Maryland State Police direct at 443-783-7230.

At about 8:00 p.m. on July 1, 2020, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were contacted by the Denton Police Department and requested to respond to investigate a shooting officers were on the scene of. The preliminary investigation indicated that shortly before 6:30 p.m. that night, officers from Denton Police Department were called to the area of High Street and 4th Street for an assault in progress. Upon arrival, they were directed to the middle of the intersection, where the victim was found lying in the roadway. Officers observed Wilmer had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Officers said a large group of people were in the area, but immediately dispersed upon their arrival.

EMS personnel responded and the victim was flown by a Maryland State Police helicopter to the Shock Trauma Center. He underwent treatment there until he was pronounced deceased yesterday afternoon. An autopsy is pending at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

A motive for the shooting has not been established at this time. The relationship between the victim and the suspect has not been determined at this point in the investigation.

The investigation is continuing.

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~ MD State Police