DENTON — Maryland State Police have obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting death of a man during an apparent fight in Caroline County on July 1.

The victim is identified as James M. Wilmer, 30, of Denton. Mr. Wilmer died late Thursday afternoon at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. An autopsy is pending.

The suspect is identified as Jamaine V. Cheers, 33, of Denton, a statement from the Maryland State Police (MSP) said on Friday. After consultation with the Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Mr. Cheers with first and second degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony/violent crime, carrying concealed deadly weapon, carrying a handgun, carrying a loaded handgun and reckless endangerment.

A search is currently underway for Mr. Cheers. The warrant for his arrest has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database and information has been communicated to police throughout the region.
Anyone who has seen Mr. Cheers or is aware of his location is urged to contact police immediately at 911 or Maryland State Police direct at 443-783-7230.

At about 8 p.m. on July 1, Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were contacted by the Denton Police Department and requested to respond to investigate a shooting officers. The preliminary investigation indicated that shortly before 6:30 p.m. that night, officers from Denton Police Department were called to the area of High Street and 4th Street for an assault in progress.

Upon arrival, they were directed to the middle of the intersection, where the victim was found lying in the roadway. Officers observed Mr. Wilmer had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Officers said a large group of people were in the area, but immediately dispersed upon their arrival.

EMS personnel responded and the victim was flown by a Maryland State Police helicopter to the Shock Trauma Center. He underwent treatment there until he was pronounced deceased Thursday afternoon. An autopsy is pending at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

“A motive for the shooting has not been established at this time,” the MSP statement said. “The relationship between the victim and the suspect has not been determined at this point in the investigation.”

The investigation is continuing. Anyone who witnessed this shooting or who may have information about the person responsible is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at 410-819-4747. Callers may remain anonymous.