Lexington, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In Lexington, two suspects, Jermaine Shanks and Jon’Tay Mattingly, have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Stephon Vanzant, a waste management worker. The incident, which occurred on September 18, left Vanzant in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Both suspects face multiple serious charges, including first-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. The community is raising concerns over youth gun violence and the influence of social media.

Lexington

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Stephon Vanzant, a waste management worker in Lexington, which occurred on September 18. Jermaine Shanks, 20, was taken into custody on Thursday and now faces multiple serious charges including first-degree assault, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence. Shanks is being held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Fayette District Court.

The incident left Vanzant in critical condition after he was shot in the head while taking a break at a bus stop. Reports indicated he has life-threatening injuries, with medical staff noting that a bullet passed through his brain. The first suspect, Jon’Tay Mattingly, also 20, was arrested shortly after the shooting and is facing the same range of charges as Shanks. Mattingly’s case has been referred to a grand jury, scheduled for September 29.

Surveillance footage captured the moments after the shooting, showing both suspects fleeing the scene through Martin Luther King Park. They allegedly sought refuge in a nearby home for approximately 40 minutes, during which time they confessed to the shooting and disposed of blue latex gloves used during the incident. The gunfire also resulted in damage to a vehicle and a house occupied by three individuals, including two children.

Shanks has a prior criminal record, including a robbery charge in 2024. Witnesses reported that both suspects bragged about the shooting on social media after the incident, raising concerns about their state of mind and accountability.

The shooting incident sparked community outrage, involving discussions on public safety and the handling of violent crimes, as well as the importance of addressing juvenile delinquency and gun control. Officials and community leaders are calling for increased efforts to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, emphasizing the need for supportive programs aimed at at-risk youth.

As investigations continue, authorities are seeking more information from the public, encouraging anyone with further details about the incident to come forward. The Lexington community remains vigilant as they await the legal proceedings involving both Shanks and Mattingly.

Charges Against Suspects

• Jermaine Shanks:
  • First-degree assault
  • Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
  • Three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment
  • First-degree criminal mischief
  • Tampering with physical evidence
• Jon’Tay Mattingly:
  • Same charges as Jermaine Shanks

Incident Overview

Date: September 18

Location: Intersection of Winburn Drive and McCullough Drive, Lexington

Victim: Stephon Vanzant, waste management worker (in critical condition)

Suspects: Jermaine Shanks and Jon’Tay Mattingly

Bail Amount for Shanks: $75,000

Background Context

The incident has raised serious concerns within the Lexington community regarding youth gun violence and the potential influence of social media on behavior. With both suspects reportedly incriminating themselves online and engaging in reckless behavior, local law enforcement is under pressure to address these vital issues and ensure justice for the victim and his family.

FAQ Section

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Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com
• WKYT
• Lex18
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• Google Search: Lexington shooting incident

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

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