LA PLATA, Md. — Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, a Charles County jury, after an 8-day trial, convicted Gregory Deshawn Collins, 23, of Waldorf, of the First-Degree Felony Murder of Lynn Maher, Armed Robbery, and related charges.
On October 1, 2020, officers responded to the 7-11 convenience store located in the 3300 block of Middletown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim Lynn Maher, an employee of 7-11, deceased at the scene.
An investigation revealed that on the night of the incident, a male suspect entered the store and selected a 7-11 brand tea bottle. He then approached the sales counter, where Maher was working as a cashier. The suspect brandished a handgun and announced a robbery. Maher removed all the money from the register till and gave it to the suspect. She showed the empty register till to the suspect, who pointed a handgun at her and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Maher in the head, killing her. After shooting Maher, the suspect put the money, a total of $249.69, in his pocket and fled the scene.
Surveillance of the incident showed that the suspect, later identified as Collins, was wearing a distinct pair of blue jeans and blue tennis shoes. A photograph was discovered of Collins wearing blue shoes on September 7, 2020, consistent with what was worn during the robbery and murder. Further, a search and seizure warrant was executed at Collins’ residence. During the search, a pair of blue jeans were recovered that were consistent with the suspect from the robbery and murder.
During the course of the investigation, Collins confessed to robbing the store and shooting Maher. DNA evidence also linked Collins to the robbery and murder.
Collins will be sentenced on August 2, 2022. At sentencing, Collins faces life plus 20 years in prison.
Guilty
- First-Degree Felony Murder
- Use of a Handgun During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
- First-Degree Assault
- Use of a Handgun During the Commission of First-Degree Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Use of a Handgun During the Commission of Armed Robbery
- Theft $100-$1500
- Wear, Carry and Transport Handgun Upon Their Person
- Loaded Handgun on Person
Gregory DeShawn Collins, Jr., 22, of Waldorf
UPDATE: WALDORF, Md. – Gregory Collins, the suspect in the shooting death of Lynn Maher at a 7-Eleven, was extradited this morning from Georgia and is currently in Charles County Sheriff’s Office custody. He should have a virtual bond review tomorrow.
UPDATE: WALDORF, Md. – Through an extensive investigation and coordination with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Gregory DeShawn Collins, Jr., 22, of Waldorf, was located and apprehended in Georgia on Tuesday, October 19. Collins is currently awaiting extradition in Georgia and will be served an arrest warrant upon his return to Maryland for this incident.
Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives identified Collins as a suspect in the murder of Lynn Marie Maher, which took place on October 1 at the 7-Eleven on Middletown Road in Waldorf. Maher was shot and killed during an armed robbery. Detectives worked closely with Corporal Eric Baker, a Charles County Officer assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force, to determine Collins’ location. Due to the tireless efforts by Cpl. Baker, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Collins was apprehended without incident.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Det. Feldman at (301) 609-6474. Those who may have information but want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app.
WALDORF, Md. – Suspect Identified in Middletown Road 7-Eleven Homicide / Arrest Warrant / Cash Reward of up to $42,500 for Information Leading to Arrest and Indictment: Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives have identified Gregory DeShawn Collins, Jr., 22, of Waldorf, as a suspect in the murder of Lynn Marie Maher which took place on October 1 at the 7-Eleven on Middletown Road in Waldorf. Maher was shot and killed during an armed robbery. Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant and are urging anyone with information about this case or Collins’ whereabouts to contact Det. Feldman at (301) 609-6474.
If anyone sees Collins, please do not approach and instead call 911 immediately. A reward of up to $42,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect. Those who may have information but want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app.
Lynn Marie Maher, 49
WALDORF, Md. – The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is announcing an increase in the reward relating to the murder of Lynn Marie Maher, a cashier at the 7-Eleven on Middletown Road in Waldorf who was shot and killed on October 1 during an armed robbery. With the assistance of the FBI ($15,000), 7-Eleven ($10,000), and Charles County Crime Solvers ($2,500), the reward has been increased to up to $27,500 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.
As detectives vigorously pursue leads, they are urging people who have information about this case to contact them at (301) 609-6474. They are also evaluating the surveillance camera footage and, due to investigative reasons, are not releasing any footage at this time.
Further, for those who do have information but want to remain anonymous, they may contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Det. J. Feldman is investigating.
WALDORF, Md. – On October 1 at 12:50 a.m., officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 3370 Middletown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. A preliminary investigation showed a lone male entered the store and approached the clerk. He produced a gun and demanded money. After obtaining the money, the suspect shot the victim and fled. The victim, Lynn Marie Maher, 49, of White Plains, died from her injuries on the scene. The suspect is described as a black male, 5’7” – 5’10” with a slender build. He was wearing a white facemask, a dark-hooded sweatshirt, jeans and dark tennis shoes.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Det. J. Feldman at (301) 609-6474. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 and 7-Eleven is offering a reward up to $10,000 leading to the arrest of the suspect.
I’m quite curious. The article says that during the investigation, he confessed to the crime. If that’s so, why was it necessary to have an 8 day trial?
I’m glad they were following this story, I’ve had this perp’s name on my search history for this long to follow updates as I livw in MD.
but yes I was wondering the same thing but most annoyingly I’m disappointed that it took this long! I remember the report. this is ridiculous. the amount of time it takes to do this stuff plus the fact at times they even offer bond/probation to these types, he was out on probation if I remember correctly to make it possible to for him to do this. but the fact that it’s possible for them to receive such is pathetic. it enables them to think they can become career criminals.
To make sure the confession was not forced or coerced.
She’s dead and he gets life? Thanks Maryland democrats! Your Judgment Day is coming up too!