Juvenile Cleared in Fatal Hancock Shooting Incident After Grand Jury Review

Following an extensive investigation and subsequent Grand Jury review, a juvenile has been cleared in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on February 21, 2026, in Hancock, Maryland. The incident, which resulted in the death of Brian Keith Lavoie Jr., was determined by investigators and prosecutors to have been an act of self-defense and defense of others.

Authorities from the Hancock Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to a report of a shooting on Whispering Wind Road. The victim, Brian Keith Lavoie Jr., was transported to Meritus Medical Center for treatment but later died from his injuries. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit subsequently conducted a thorough investigation into the events.

The investigation concluded that the individual who discharged the firearm was a juvenile and that the shooting occurred in defense of self and others. This determination was then presented to the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, the State’s Attorney’s Office agreed with the findings.

Further deliberation took place when the case was presented to a Washington County Grand Jury on March 25, 2026. The Grand Jury, after considering the evidence, also found the juvenile’s actions to be justified and declined to issue an indictment. Due to the involvement of a juvenile and to safeguard the privacy rights of all individuals involved, no further details regarding the case will be released at this time.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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