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Thomas Moreland, 22, of Lexington Park, was sentenced to life behind bars for his role in a 2022 mass shooting at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Carnival, according to St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling.
The shooting unfolded on July 15, 2022, turning a community event into a crime scene and sending families running for cover.
Moreland and others targeted two teenage victims at the carnival, officials said. One 16-year-old was killed and another was left with serious gunshot injuries.
“(Moreland's) vindictive and reckless actions not only devastated the victims and their families but also shattered the sense of safety in our community,” Sterling said this week.
“This sentence ensures that (Moreland) will be held accountable for the terror he inflicted on the entire community.”
After a five-day jury trial in April 2024, Moreland was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.
During sentencing, prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of life in prison — and got it.
"The Hollywood Carnival is a long-standing community event that families have enjoyed for decades," Sterling added. “The long-lasting impact on the victims and the community goes beyond the physical trauma."
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