LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A tragic incident unfolded in this small community on January 3, when a woman was fatally shot and left in a vehicle following a collision. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jayson David Pressley, later surrendered to authorities and has been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder, along with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The victim, 36-year-old Chaquanda Latise Odom of California, Maryland, was found deceased by emergency responders in the driver’s seat of her car, which had collided with a mailbox and another unoccupied vehicle. Authorities reported that she had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and upper body.
According to local law enforcement, Pressley voluntarily drove to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center in Leonardtown and informed the attending officers that he was responsible for the murder. Subsequent police interrogation revealed details of the encounter between Pressley and Odom. Pressley explained that he had arranged to meet Odom to hand over a $22,000 check related to a recent court decision.
During their meeting, which occurred in a parking lot yards away from Pressley’s residence on Liberty Street, he claimed the conversation escalated. Odom was reportedly seated inside her vehicle while Pressley stood outside, speaking through the driver’s side window. At a crucial moment, Pressley admitted to firing his handgun twice at Odom and then returning to his home briefly before deciding to surrender to the authorities.
Further investigation at the scene led to the discovery of a Hi-Point 9mm handgun in the center console of Pressley’s vehicle. The magazine of the handgun was missing two rounds, corresponding with the spent casings found in Odom’s vehicle, confirming the weapon was used during the crime.
During his confession, Pressley mentioned that Odom’s final words were a chilling caution, “You better not.” He did not provide a clear motive for the shooting when queried about his reasons for bringing a firearm to the meeting.
The authorities charged Pressley with first-degree murder, indicating a deliberate and premeditated action; second-degree murder, suggesting malice but without preplanning; and using a firearm in the commission of a felony, reflecting the violent nature of the crime.
This shocking event has left the community grappling with the brutal reality of domestic incidents escalating into violence. Pressley is currently held without bond, and upcoming court proceedings, including a bail review scheduled for January 8 and a preliminary hearing set for January 28, will likely offer more insights into this unsettling case.
The quick response of the Maryland State Police and local sheriff’s deputies, as well as efforts by emergency medical teams who pronounced Odom dead at the scene, highlight the severe nature of domestic violence cases that law enforcement must frequently navigate.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the full context of the relationship between Pressley and Odom, particularly after their recent divorce was finalized. The community and the victim’s family await justice in a case that serves as a grim reminder of the potential for domestic situations to turn deadly.