WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND — Maryland State Police have arrested and charged an 18-year-old Salisbury resident in connection with a fatal shooting that took place on Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, in Wicomico County.
Jonathan Leross Jobe has been formally charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Dajaud Rae’heim Townsend, also of Salisbury. Additional charges include first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and multiple firearm-related offenses. The charges were filed following consultation with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office.
At the time of his arrest on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Jobe was already in custody at the Wicomico County Detention Center on an unrelated arrest warrant.
The incident occurred in the 600 block of Smith Street in Salisbury. Salisbury Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 5:35 p.m. on July 15, 2025, where they found Townsend suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the backyard of a residential property. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Townsend was pronounced deceased while en route to a nearby hospital.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation, with significant support from the Salisbury Police Department, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. Through their investigative efforts, authorities identified Jobe as a suspect shortly after the shooting.
Details regarding a possible motive or the circumstances leading up to the incident have not been released by authorities at this time.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed as evidence is processed. Maryland State Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101 or Crime Solvers of the Eastern Shore at 410-548-1776 to assist investigators. Callers may remain anonymous.