Washington County Man Receives Double Life Sentence for 2020 Murder

HAGERSTOWN, MD – A Washington County resident has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison, along with an additional 35 years, for his role in the 2020 murder of Daynard Johnson. Raymond Garfield Campbell, III, was convicted by a Washington County jury in November 2025, following a five-day trial, and received his sentence from Judge Dana Moylan Wright on July 28, 2026. The conviction includes charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, as well as multiple firearms offenses.

The fatal incident occurred on October 14, 2020, near the intersection of Murph Avenue and Henry Avenue in Hagerstown. According to evidence presented during the trial, Campbell pursued the unarmed victim, Daynard Johnson, in his vehicle. This pursuit began in the vicinity of the former Sheetz store located at 301 West Washington Street and concluded at the scene where Johnson was fatally shot. Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Campbell on November 13, 2020, charging him with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and related handgun offenses. Campbell was eventually apprehended in California in the spring of 2024.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant State’s Attorneys Cyrus Jaghoory and Christopher McCormack. The primary investigator was Detective Shawn Weaver of the Hagerstown Police Department, who was supported by other members of the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Division. The efforts of the Hagerstown Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service were instrumental in identifying and apprehending Campbell. The jury and Judge Wright also dedicated significant attention to this case.

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This sentencing brings a conclusion to a case involving a violent crime that occurred in Hagerstown. For residents of Washington County, this sentencing signifies a major development in the legal proceedings related to the 2020 murder. The extensive prison sentence reflects the severity of the charges and the outcome of the legal process.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Office of the State’s Attorney

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