In the quiet neighborhood of Laurel, Maryland, the evening of November 26, 2024, was shattered by violence that claimed the life of 58-year-old Jerome Stocks. A male employee of Prince George's County Public Schools, Stocks was found outside a residence on Silverbirch Lane around 9:00 PM, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the quick response of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting swiftly pointed to a suspect,
31-year-old Darius Jackson of Oxon Hill. Less than a day after the fatal shooting, members of the Prince George's County Police Department's Fugitive Unit took Jackson into custody. Authorities revealed that the tragic incident was not a random act of violence. The preliminary investigation indicated that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between Jackson and a member of Stocks' family. It was reported that Jackson and Stocks were known to each other.
Prior to the deadly confrontation, Jackson had allegedly damaged the vehicle of Stocks' family member and had sent threatening messages. He later returned to the Silverbirch Lane area, where the fatal shooting occurred. Witnesses reported seeing a gray 2021 Nissan Kick SUV, registered to Jackson, fleeing the scene shortly after the gunshots rang out.
Darius Jackson has been charged with first and second-degree murder, as well as other related charges. Following his arrest, he was taken into the custody of the Department of Corrections. The investigation remains active, and law enforcement has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
