James Reginald Flanagan
Leonardtown, MD – A man accused of shooting and severely wounding another man during an argument in November 2017 is scheduled to go on trial this month in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The accused—James Reginald Flanagan, 22—was indicted by a grand jury last September. Flanagan, whose hometown has been identified in records as Temple Hills and Lexington Park, was indicted on one count each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony crime and handgun on person.
According to court documents filed by St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Detective Scott Ruest, on Nov. 11, 2017 officers responded to the area of Leeward Circle in Lexington Park for a reported shooting. Police located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. “The victim and witnesses provided some initial information on a possible suspect but no definitive identifying information,” Ruest stated. “Witnesses heard multiple gun shots fired when the incident occurred. The victim was later transported to a hospital and flown to a trauma center for emergency surgery.”
During the investigation Ruest and other detectives obtained further information about the incident and a description of the shooter, who was subsequently identified as Flanagan. “Additional witness interviews revealed a prior dispute between a witness and the defendant,” Ruest stated in court documents. “This witness contacted the defendant along with the victim. At the time the defendant produced a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim in the upper torso.” Police used photographic lineups shown to several individuals, including the victim, to positively identify Flanagan as the gunman.
Flanagan was arrested on an outstanding warrant 11 months later.
Flanagan’s trial, which was postponed late last year, has been tentatively scheduled to begin Tuesday, Feb. 19. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Jaymi K. Sterling. Flanagan will be represented by public defender Amber Wetzel and private attorney Joshua Tarr.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com