Jahmere Bryan Sentenced in the Shooting Death of Virgil Simms in Dorchester County

Dorchester County, MD - The Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office has announced that Jahmere Bryan, 20, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Assault. The plea is connected to the shooting death of Virgil Simms in Cambridge, Maryland, on October 20, 2024.

Bryan was sentenced to 25 years in the Division of Corrections, with all but 343 days suspended. The sentence resulted from a joint recommendation by the State and the Defense, which considered significant evidentiary issues that arose as the case neared trial.

The investigation was led by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, with assistance from the Cambridge Police Department. It was determined that Bryan conspired with a co-defendant to conduct an armed assault that resulted in Simms's death.

In May 2025, Bryan's co-defendant was tried for murder and related offenses. However, key witnesses who had previously identified both defendants near the scene before the shooting later refused to testify or make in-court identifications. The State's ability to meet its burden of proof was significantly weakened, whether due to fear of retaliation or other reasons.

Given these circumstances, the plea for Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Assault was considered the most responsible path. It ensures Bryan is held criminally accountable while avoiding the risk of an acquittal due to the weakened trial evidence.

During the investigation, Bryan also made statements to investigators that provided insight into the events of October 20, 2024, though they were inadmissible at trial. State's Attorney Amanda R. Leonard said, "No sentence, no conviction, can ever bring back the life of Virgil Simms. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones, who have endured unimaginable pain. What this case shows is how essential community cooperation is to achieving justice. When witnesses are afraid or stay silent, accountability becomes harder to achieve. We must all work together to make our neighborhoods safer and ensure that fear does not stand in the way of justice."

The Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office affirmed its commitment to fighting gun violence, supporting victims, and pursuing justice.