LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A man is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly fatally shooting his ex-wife in Lexington Park on January 3, 2025. Jayson David Pressley, 38, turned himself in to law enforcement shortly after the incident, confessing to the crime.
According to the Maryland State Police, officers responded to the 21000 block of Liberty Street in Lexington Park around 11:00 AM after a woman was found in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Chaquanda LaTise Odom, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined Odom suffered fatal trauma to her head and upper body from two gunshots.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Pressley arrived at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and informed staff that he wanted to confess to a murder. Pressley, Odom’s ex-husband, was immediately taken into custody and interviewed by detectives. He reportedly stated that the shooting occurred during a meeting with Odom to give her a $22,000 check. Pressley claimed the exchange took place in a parking lot near his residence. He described standing outside Odom’s vehicle while she remained in the driver’s seat. At some point, Pressley fired two shots through the open driver’s side window.
After the shooting, Pressley briefly returned to his residence before driving to the detention center to turn himself in. He informed investigators that the firearm used, a loaded 9mm handgun, was located in his vehicle. Law enforcement obtained search warrants for both Pressley’s vehicle and residence. The handgun was found in the vehicle’s center console, and it appeared to be missing two rounds from its magazine. A significant amount of blood was discovered in Odom’s vehicle during the investigation.
When questioned about the incident, Pressley reportedly avoided answering why he brought the firearm to the meeting. Investigators also noted that Odom’s last words before the shooting, according to Pressley, were “You better not.”
Pressley has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and firearm use in the commission of a felony or violent crime. He remains held without bond following a bail review hearing on January 8, 2025, before Honorable Judge James Tanavage. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at the St. Mary’s County District Court.
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