SALISBURY, Md.- A Salisbury man who pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and other charges stemming from two separate shootings in July 2025 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Semaj Ames, 20. Courtesy of Office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County.
Semaj Ames, 20, was sentenced Aug. 7 by Wicomico County Circuit Court Administrative Judge S. James Sarbanes to 50 years in prison, with all but 25 years suspended, according to the Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office.
Ames pleaded guilty May 29 to attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and firearm use in a crime of violence. After his release, he will serve three years of supervised probation.
The case stems from a series of shootings on July 20, 2025.
According to the State's Attorney's Office, Ames and his girlfriend went to a home on Mohawk Avenue following a dispute involving the couple and the father of the girlfriend's child. Eight shots were fired at the home, damaging the property but not striking anyone.
About an hour later, the office says Ames and his girlfriend went to East Lincoln Street, where a verbal confrontation broke out involving the mother of Ames' child. The confrontation escalated after Ames pulled out a gun and fired.
The shot missed the people Ames was apparently trying to shoot and struck a woman who was nearby. She was taken to TidalHealth for treatment.
Ames left the area after the shooting and, according to prosecutors, recruited family members to conceal evidence and help him travel to Baltimore. He later went to Georgia, where law enforcement found him. Ames was extradited to Maryland to face the charges.
Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie L. Dykes said the case demonstrates the broader impact of gun violence.
“Gun violence does not end after the trigger is pulled. It destroys the lives of victims and their families and leaves a trail of community destruction in its wake.”



