Brian Lamont Magruder was given the maximum penalty requested by the state.
(photo courtesy of Carroll County States Attorney)
Westminster, MD – Brian Lamont Magruder, 55 years old, pled guilty on June 12, 2024, to Armed Robbery of a convenience store clerk at the Carroll Mart in Westminster on January 14, 2024.
On January 14, 2024, Magruder entered the Carroll Mart and asked for two packs of cigarettes. After the clerk placed them on the counter, Magruder produced a sharp object, which the clerk believed was knife, and demanded money from the cash register. The clerk instead locked himself in a back office and Magruder then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Police were quick to respond to a 911 call from the clerk and were able to find the vehicle still in the area. Magruder was apprehended after a vehicle pursuit followed by a brief foot pursuit.
At sentencing on October 15, 2024, Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Brian L. DeLeonardo took into consideration a Pre-Trial Sentence Investigation completed by Maryland Parole and Probation, a Sentence Mitigation report provided by a licensed psychologist hired by the Office of the Public Defender, statements by the Defendant’s family and a criminal history provided by the State’s Attorney’s Office. In sentencing Magruder to the 13 years requested by the State, Judge DeLeonardo acknowledged mental health and substance abuse issues evidenced in Magruder’s history, but indicated that this Armed Robbery and a First Degree Burglary conviction in 2023 caused him to be concerned about the public safety risk presented by Magruder.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Carroll County was represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Sandra L. Johnson. The lead investigator for the Westminster Police Department was Detective Richard Lambert. Several members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in the capture of Magruder and the retention of evidence in this case.
Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker remarked, “The State applauds the stiff sentence handed down by Judge DeLeonardo in response to this brazen armed robbery committed on Main Street in the heart of Westminster. Other would-be armed robbers should think twice before following in Magruder’s footsteps.”