LA PLATA, Md. – A Charles County jury has found 20-year-old Elijah Bernard Barnes guilty of second-degree murder and other charges linked to the 2023 shooting death of 17-year-old Rajon Lateef Jackson III. Following a five-day trial that ended on March 7, 2025, State’s Attorney Tony Covington announced the verdict which could result in a 68-year sentence for Barnes. The sentencing is scheduled for May 2.
The incident that led to Jackson’s death unfolded on January 13, 2023, when he was fatally shot in the face and neck four times. The attack occurred shortly after Jackson stepped off his school bus in Waldorf’s Harvest Fish Place area. A witness recounted seeing Barnes in a silver Toyota Corolla, identifiable by its missing driver-side hubcap, calling Jackson over to the vehicle before shooting him and speeding away.
Local law enforcement found Jackson deceased on the street, despite rapid transport to a hospital in an attempt to save his life. Investigative efforts were aided by gas station surveillance footage and neighborhood cameras, which captured the suspect’s vehicle at the crime scene shortly before the murder, corroborating the eyewitness account. Barnes was apprehended in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on January 18, 2023, following a swift issuance of a warrant for his arrest.
This case underscores a disturbing trend of gun-related violence in Charles County. In a report from September 2022, an unrelated traffic stop in Waldorf revealed a loaded “ghost gun,” 100 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, highlighting the challenge posed by untraceable firearms in the community. Barnes’ possession of a loaded handgun, which was seized during a search operation in March 2023, further exemplifies the ongoing concerns over gun violence in the area.
Under Maryland law, Barnes could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder conviction, with additional penalties possible for associated firearm and property charges, cumulatively leading to the potential 68-year sentence. The trial took place near the bustling corridor of Route 301 and represents a critical step towards justice for Jackson, who was killed just blocks from his home.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), grappling with similar cases throughout 2023 such as drug and gun-related arrests in Newburg, continues to encourage the public to report any suspicious activities. They are offering rewards of up to $1,000 through Crime Solvers for tips that lead to an arrest, and can be contacted at 301-609-6491 or toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS.
The community has been shaken by this tragic incident, as family, friends, and local residents await Barnes’ sentencing, hoping for a resolution that reflects the gravity of the crime and a step forward in combatting local gun violence.
The details and narrative around this case represent the observations and findings recorded until now. As with any ongoing legal matter, new developments may arise as additional information becomes available.
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