John Simms Jr. and Juvenile Victim Identified in Fatal Annapolis Shooting; Suspect Roscoe Jerome Jones Wanted for Murder and Assault

Annapolis, MD – Authorities are actively searching for a suspect in connection with a tragic shooting that occurred in Annapolis on March 19, 2025, which resulted in the death of 36-year-old John Simms Jr. and left a juvenile victim injured. The suspect, 31-year-old Roscoe Jerome Jones of Oxon Hill, Maryland, is currently at large, and law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding his whereabouts.

According to the Annapolis Police Department (APD), officers responded to a call reporting gunfire in the 100 block of Clay Street at approximately 7:40 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Simms Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Simms Jr. was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

A second victim, a juvenile, was also discovered at the scene, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile was immediately transported to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore for treatment. While their name has not been disclosed to protect their identity, it is confirmed that the juvenile’s injuries are not life-threatening.

Suspect Identified and Warrant Issued

The APD quickly identified 31-year-old Roscoe Jerome Jones as the primary suspect in the shooting. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Jones at 6:44 p.m. on March 19, charging him with first-degree murder in the death of John Simms Jr. and assault related to the juvenile victim’s injuries.

The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, and authorities have not yet released detailed information about the circumstances that led up to the tragic event. Law enforcement officials, including the U.S. Marshals Service, are working diligently to locate and apprehend Jones, who is considered armed and dangerous.

The Impact on the Community

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Annapolis community, which has been grappling with growing concerns over gun violence. Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson expressed his gratitude for the hard work and dedication of his team and the community’s ongoing support in advancing the case. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and informed as the investigation continues.

“I’d like to thank my Deputy Chief, command staff, community members, and the dedicated men and women in uniform who worked diligently to advance this case,” said Chief Jackson. “We are committed to bringing justice to the victims of this senseless violence and ensuring the safety of our community.”

Authorities Urge Public to Remain Cautious

In light of the ongoing search for Jones, authorities are cautioning the public not to approach the suspect if they see him. Due to the nature of the crime and Jones’ status as a wanted fugitive, he is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement agencies, including local police and federal marshals, are advising anyone with information to come forward immediately.

“We urge the public to stay alert and not approach Roscoe Jerome Jones,” said Chief Jackson. “If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact us right away. Your assistance could be critical in helping us resolve this case and ensure the safety of our community.”

Contact Information for Tips

Anyone with information about Roscoe Jerome Jones’s location or details related to the shooting is encouraged to:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Contact Detective Courtney Moore at 443-714-0088 or via email at clmoore@annapolis.gov.
• Contact Detective J. Liebross at 410-562-7520 or via email at jdliebross@annapolis.gov.
• Submit anonymous tips to the U.S. Marshals tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 or online.

Authorities Continue to Investigate

As of now, the investigation into the shooting remains active, and Annapolis police have pledged to continue working around the clock to locate Jones and bring him to justice. Authorities are hopeful that the cooperation of the public will lead to the swift apprehension of the suspect, who is believed to have fled the area following the shooting.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The shooting has raised significant concerns within the Annapolis community, particularly regarding the rising incidents of gun violence. Local residents are calling for increased efforts to combat such violence and support victims’ families during these traumatic events. The city, known for its picturesque harbor and historic sites, has been left reeling from the violence that struck so close to home.

In response to the tragedy, several local organizations have vowed to offer support to the families affected. Advocates for gun violence prevention have also urged lawmakers to take further steps to address the issue, with many pointing to the need for stricter gun control measures in Maryland.

Next Steps in the Investigation

As the investigation moves forward, the Annapolis Police Department is focused on piecing together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area, conducting interviews with witnesses, and gathering any relevant evidence that may help them identify a motive and link Jones to the crime. The police are also reaching out to the public for any information that may help connect the dots.

“We are doing everything we can to uncover the truth behind this incident and hold the responsible party accountable,” said Chief Jackson. “Our detectives are working tirelessly, and we will not rest until justice is served for John Simms Jr. and the juvenile victim.”

Conclusion

The tragic shooting in Annapolis on March 19, 2025, has left the community in mourning and sparked an urgent search for the suspect, Roscoe Jerome Jones. With a warrant out for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder and assault, Jones remains at large, and authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any information that could lead to his capture. As the investigation unfolds, the Annapolis Police Department is committed to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring the safety of the community.

The story of John Simms Jr. and the injured juvenile serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities. The ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect underscore the dedication of law enforcement officials to bring those responsible for such violence to justice.

As the investigation continues, authorities and the community remain hopeful that those with information will come forward, ultimately leading to the resolution of this senseless tragedy and bringing some measure of closure to the victims’ families.