Guilty Plea in Fatal Stabbing That Locked Down Schools

A Crownsville man has pleaded guilty to murder in the September 2014 stabbing death of a friend, which briefly prompted three Crofton schools to go on lockdown.

Jason Thayer, 35, of Crownsville, pleaded guilty Thursday in the death of Adam Ussery at a Gambrills farm. The Capital-Gazette reports Thayer faces 15 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder when he is sentenced on Oct. 22.

Anne Arundel County Police officers were called to Beech Grove Farm, which offers boarding for horses and other equestrian services, last year on a report that Ussery and a resident in the house were stabbed. Ussery was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Thayer and two other people arrived at Ussery’s house as part of an ongoing dispute, and an argument ensued. Ussery was reportedly confronted by Thayer, the two argued, fought, and Ussery was struck in the face.

He went into his house and came out holding a knife, police say. Thayer pulled out a knife and after a brief argument Thayer stabbed Ussery. The victim walked back into the house, where someone called 911.

Thayer and the two individuals that he came to the home with then left in a gold Toyota Camry, which was found near Crownsville Road near Interstate 97. Authorities found Thayer nearby.

Crofton Middle School, Crofton Elementary School, and Crofton Meadows Elementary School were on lockdown for about an hour that day after reports of the stabbing.

»Jason Thayer of Crownsville, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police