John Anthony Leonard, a 27-year-old Black man, tragically lost his life on the evening of Saturday, October 23, 2021, in Hagerstown, Maryland. The incident that led to his death unfolded in the 200 and 300 blocks of North Mulberry Street, where Hagerstown Police were called to the scene following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds.
Both victims were immediately transported to Meritus Medical Center for medical attention.
Sadly, John Anthony Leonard IV was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. The second victim, identified as 22-year-old Jaseye Stephens, also of Hagerstown, sustained life-threatening injuries and was subsequently flown to the R. Adam Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for advanced treatment. It was later reported that the two victims were friends and were together when the shooting occurred. An officer at the scene was credited with helping to save Stephens' life by applying a tourniquet.
The investigation into the shooting quickly progressed, and on October 26, detectives with the Hagerstown Police Department identified a suspect. They secured an arrest warrant for 17-year-old Gage John Coles of Hagerstown, charging him with first-degree murder and other related offenses in connection with Leonard's death. In a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, Coles was apprehended later that same morning in Manatee County, Florida.
Following the arrest, investigators executed search warrants at two residences in Hagerstown, where they recovered evidence related to the shooting, including a handgun. Authorities announced that Coles would be charged as an adult for his alleged role in the incident. In addition to the charges related to Leonard's death, Coles also faced charges for the shooting of Jaseye Stephens. The investigation suggested that Coles was the sole shooter, having fired at both men.
