Salisbury, MD — The city of Salisbury is reeling following the arrest of a local teenager charged in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 24-year-old man earlier this week. The Maryland State Police, in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, have taken 18-year-old Jonathan Leross Jobe of Salisbury into custody following a fatal incident that unfolded in Wicomico County on the evening of Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Jobe now faces a long list of serious charges, including first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and multiple firearm-related offenses. These charges come after a consultation with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office. At the time of the arrest, Jobe was already being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center on an unrelated warrant.
The victim in this tragic incident has been identified as Dajaud Rae’heim Townsend, age 24, also of Salisbury. Authorities say Townsend was discovered lying in the backyard of a residence in the 600 block of Smith Street at approximately 5:35 p.m., following a call for service related to a report of gunfire. Responding officers from the Salisbury Police Department located Townsend with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, he was pronounced deceased while en route to the hospital.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. Detectives were able to identify Jobe as a suspect through collaboration with the Salisbury Police Department, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, and assistance from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. Officials have not yet disclosed a motive or further details surrounding the events that led up to the shooting, citing the sensitive and developing nature of the case.
“This was a tragic loss of life, and we’re working around the clock to ensure that justice is served,” said a Maryland State Police spokesperson. “We appreciate the cooperation and swift coordination among our local law enforcement partners as we continue to gather facts and pursue leads.”
The Salisbury community has been left shaken by the violence, as family members and neighbors struggle to come to terms with the sudden and senseless loss of a young life. Dajaud Townsend is being remembered by those close to him as a spirited and kind-hearted individual who had dreams, loved his family, and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward. Even small details may help law enforcement piece together a full understanding of what occurred that evening. Community cooperation, they say, is vital to ensuring accountability and preventing further violence.
Meanwhile, Jobe remains in custody as the legal process begins. His first court appearance is expected soon, where a judge will determine the conditions of his continued detention and the progression of the case. Per legal protocol, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case continues to develop, and additional updates will be shared by authorities as more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: Police reports and related information shared by Shore News Beacon are based on facts provided by law enforcement and court proceedings. The content reflects ongoing investigations, and all individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Comments that include speculation, threats, inappropriate language, or insensitive remarks will be removed to maintain respectful public dialogue.
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