Chester Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Father’s Murder

QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MD - On July 21, 2025, Drew Bernard Meyer was sentenced in Queen Anne's County Circuit Court. Judge C. Lynn Knight sentenced Meyer to 30 years of active incarceration for the second-degree murder of his father.

Ten additional years were suspended. The sentencing follows an incident that took place on May 16, 2024, at a residence on Auckland Way in Chester.

Authorities responded to the home on May 17, 2024, for a welfare check. Deputies from the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff arrived alongside Maryland State Police and other agencies.

They discovered Wayne Michael Meyer deceased inside the residence. There were no signs of forced entry. An autopsy later confirmed the victim suffered 38 stab wounds and 21 cuts to his head, neck, torso, and extremities.

The Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Unit led the inquiry. They were assisted by the Maryland State Police Crime Scene Unit. Officers executed search warrants for the home and vehicles.

Evidence was collected and submitted to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. A forensic scientist identified DNA from both Drew Meyer and the victim on a butcher knife found at the scene.

Investigators determined the father and son had argued about Drew's long-term unemployment. A neighbor reported hearing a loud dispute. Family members and associates confirmed the argument was heated. Drew Meyer subsequently left the residence.

Relatives became concerned when the victim stopped answering calls. Security footage from a neighbor showed only the victim's and Drew's vehicles at the property during the relevant timeframe.

A deputy requested a ping on Drew Meyer's cell phone. An alert was also issued for his vehicle. The Roanoke County Police Department located Drew and his vehicle in Roanoke, Virginia, shortly after. He was apprehended and held pending extradition.

The charge of second-degree murder applies to homicide without premeditation. The facts indicated a spontaneous fit of rage. The State recommended 30 years of active incarceration.

This sentence exceeds Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate terms based on criminal history and the specific crime. Prosecutors noted the sentence serves justice as the defendant has no right to an automatic appeal.

State's Attorney Lance G. Richardson and Deputy State's Attorney Christine Dulla Rickard prosecuted the case. They expressed gratitude to the Queen Anne's County Office of the Sheriff and all assisting agencies for their work on the investigation.