LEONARDTOWN, Md. — State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Thomas Moreland, 22, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the fatal shooting at the 2022 Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Carnival. The shooting resulted in the death of a 16-year-old victim and left another teenager with multiple gunshot wounds.
“The Hollywood Carnival has been a beloved community event for decades, a time for families to come together. The Defendant’s violent and reckless actions not only devastated the victims and their families but also instilled fear in our community during an event that should have been a celebration,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “This sentence ensures that Thomas Moreland is held accountable for the terror he brought to our community.”
Moreland was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault after a five-day jury trial in April 2024. The State, during the sentencing hearing, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, highlighting Moreland’s complete disregard for human life and the lasting trauma caused to the victims and the community.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier served as the prosecuting attorney, while Detective Tyler Payne and Corporal Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.
