In the quiet early hours of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, a tragedy unfolded on the streets of Annapolis, Maryland, shattering the calm of a crisp spring morning. The sound of gunfire pierced the air along the 100 block of Clay Street, leaving a community in shock and mourning. By the time the sun fully rose, one man lay dead, a juvenile clung to life with injuries, and a manhunt was underway for the person responsible. This devastating event has thrust Annapolis into the spotlight, as police and residents alike grapple with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence.
The Annapolis Police Department received the first calls reporting shots fired at approximately 7:40 a.m. Officers rushed to the scene, where they encountered a grim tableau. John Simms Jr., a 36-year-old resident of the city, was found sprawled on the ground, his body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the desperate efforts of first responders to save him, Simms succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Nearby, a juvenile—whose identity has been withheld due to their age—suffered wounds that, while serious, were deemed non-life-threatening. The young victim was swiftly transported to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, where medical teams worked to stabilize their condition.
As investigators descended upon Clay Street, piecing together the chaotic moments that led to the shooting, a suspect quickly emerged. By late Wednesday evening, authorities identified 31-year-old Roscoe Jerome Jones of Oxon Hill, Maryland, as the individual believed to be behind the deadly attack. At 6:44 p.m., an arrest warrant was issued, charging Jones with first-degree murder in the death of John Simms Jr. and assault stemming from the injuries inflicted on the juvenile. The swift identification of a suspect marked a critical step forward in the case, though police have remained tight-lipped about the circumstances that precipitated the violence. What drove Jones to allegedly open fire remains, for now, a haunting mystery.
The manhunt for Jones has mobilized a coordinated effort across law enforcement agencies. The Annapolis Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Edward Jackson, has partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous. Chief Jackson, in a statement reflecting both resolve and gratitude, praised the tireless work of his team and the support of the community. “I’d like to thank my Deputy Chief, command staff, community members, and the dedicated men and women in uniform who worked diligently to advance this case,” he said. Their efforts underscore a determination to bring justice to a city reeling from loss.
For the residents of Annapolis, the shooting has left an indelible mark. Clay Street, typically a quiet artery of the city, became a crime scene cordoned off by yellow tape, a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. John Simms Jr. was known to many as a familiar face, a man whose life was cut short in an instant. The injured juvenile, now recovering in Baltimore, represents both the vulnerability of youth and the resilience required to heal from such trauma. As the investigation unfolds, the community waits anxiously for answers, hoping that Jones’s capture will bring some measure of closure.
Authorities have made it clear that public cooperation is vital. They are urging anyone with information about Jones’s whereabouts to come forward, offering multiple channels for tips. Emergency calls can be directed to 9-1-1, while detectives Courtney Moore and J. Liebross stand ready to receive information directly. For those preferring anonymity, the U.S. Marshals Service has provided a tip line and an online submission option. The message is unequivocal: Jones is a threat, and the public should not attempt to approach him.
As the search intensifies, Annapolis Police have promised to keep the public informed with updates as new developments arise. For now, the city holds its breath, mourning the loss of John Simms Jr., praying for the recovery of the young survivor, and awaiting the moment when justice might prevail. This tragedy, etched into the fabric of March 19, serves as a sobering reminder of the work still needed to ensure safety and peace in every corner of this historic community.