MAN SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE SENTENCES AFTER KILLING A SIX-YEAR-OLD EYEWITNESS DURING HER MOTHER’S MURDER

A Maryland man killed a woman and her daughter who witnessed the murder. Now, he will never walk free again.

St. Mary’s County Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis handed Wayne Carroll Key, Jr., 44, two terms of life without the possibility of parole for the double homicide of Martina Lynn Patterson, 37, and her 6-year-old daughter, Lyneasha Justice Greenwell. After eight days of trial, Key was found guilty and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree assault.

“The unimaginable killing of a child and her mother is truly despicable. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of our victims. Although nothing can ever bring back our innocent victims, my hope is that with these convictions the family may begin the process of healing,” stated State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, according to Southern Maryland News Net.

On Nov. 25, 2021, officers responded to a wooded area of Colony Square Water Station on South Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park after reports of two dead bodies.  Upon arrival, they found the body of an adult female and a child. The bodies were later identified as Patterson and Greenwell.

Investigators identified the defendant as a strong person of interest, and he was later arrested and charged with the murders. According to prosecutors, Key viciously murdered Patterson and then realized her daughter witnessed the fatal incident. Then, he proceeded to kill the victim’s daughter.

During the trial, 200 pieces of evidence and 40 witnesses were presented to the jury. Though the trial was heavily circumstantial, the evidence which included DNA materials, cell phone maps, and expert testimonies in forensic medicine.

“The case was a circumstantial evidence case in its entirety that was very compelling and substantial,” said Stanalonis during the sentencing hearing, reported The Baynet.

The motive for the killing remains unclear.

At the time of key’s arrest, he was also wanted for prior arrest warrants for burglary, harassment, assault, and child support.

The defendant was ordered to serve both terms consecutively.