SHARE

Liquor Store Shooter Facing Life In Prison For Maryland Murder: State's Attorney

A 48-year-old man has been convicted of murder in connection to a fatal shooting in November last year, the state's attorney's office announced.

Leroy Christopher Neal

Leroy Christopher Neal

Photo Credit: St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office

Leroy Christopher Neal is facing life in prison after he was found guilty by a St. Mary's County jury of murder and weapon offenses following the death of Scott Marvin Benich.

The Mechanicsville resident was arrested along with Britny Lee Blankenship last year after two separate liquor store shootings, according to the sheriff's office.

At around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, officers were sent to St. Mary's Fine Wine & Spirits on Point Lookout Road in Great Mills, where they found the 46-year-old Benich suffering from a gunshot wound.

Bernich was rushed to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital and later flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore, where he died from his injury.

Neal was convicted by a jury this week following a three-day trial of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and handgun on person.

When he is sentenced, Neal faces life in prison plus 25 years, prosecutors say. He is being held without bond pending his sentencing hearing.

Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.

to follow Daily Voice Columbia and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE