Cops searching for Denton man charged with shooting murder of James Wilmer

On July 17, the Maryland State Police reported that the agency is continuing to search for the murder suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a man earlier this month in Caroline County.

The victim is identified as James M. Wilmer, 30, of Denton, Maryland.  Wilmer died July 2 at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.  An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled Wilmer’s death a homicide and was caused by a gunshot wound.

The suspect is identified as Jamaine V. Cheers, 33, also from Denton.  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 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. 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 that Wilmer had suffered 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 July 2.

Members of Wilmer’s community created a GoFundMe page for James to help the victim’s family with funeral expenses.

Friends and neighbors are still mourning the loss of James Wilmer:

“He was a people person,” said Tammy Brown, a Denton resident. “Now everybody is going to miss him. I’m going to miss seeing his smile.” People in Denton say 30-year-old James Wilmer left a huge hole in the community after he was killed in that shooting.

“It’s affecting a lot of people in this community and it’s not going to be the same around here no more,” said Brown.  ~ WMDT

Police say that they still have no motive for the shooting. The relationship between the victim and the shooter has not been determined at this point in the investigation.

Police are continuing their investigation.

(Cover Photo: Jamaine V. Cheers, accused of murder, Image credit: MSP)

(Source: Maryland State Police)

~  Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter