Lexington, October 19, 2025
News Summary
In a recent development in the Lexington shooting case, a second suspect, Jermaine Shanks, has been arrested following the critical injury of city employee Stephon Vanzant. The shooting occurred near Winburn Drive, and both suspects face serious charges including first-degree assault and wanton endangerment. Community concerns about safety have been heightened as the police continue their investigation and the legal proceedings unfold.
Lexington City Employee Shooting: Second Suspect Arrested
Lexington – In a significant development related to a shooting that critically injured a city employee, a second suspect, Jermaine Shanks, 20, has been apprehended. Shanks was arrested on Thursday night in connection with the incident that occurred on September 18 on Winburn Drive. He is facing several serious charges, including first-degree assault, three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
The shooting victim, Stephon Vanzant, who is employed by the city, was shot in the head while waiting at a bus stop near Winburn and McCullough drives. He was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, but as of now, there have been no updates on his medical condition.
Details of the Incident
Shanks’ arrest follows the earlier apprehension of another suspect, Jon’tay Mattingly, also 20 years old, who was arrested on September 19. A warrant for Shanks was issued shortly after Mattingly’s arrest as police connect both men to the shooting. Court documents reveal that after the shooting, they fled the scene and hid in a nearby home for approximately 40 minutes.
A cooperating witness reported that both Shanks and Mattingly confessed to shooting Vanzant and allegedly disposed of gloves used during the crime. In addition to the direct injuries sustained by Vanzant, the shooting caused damage to nearby property; bullets penetrated walls of a home, where two children resided, and a vehicle was also struck.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Shanks is currently being held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment in Fayette District Court. Mattingly’s case has since been sent to a grand jury, and he also faces a bond of $75,000. Interestingly, Shanks has a prior criminal history; in 2024, he faced charges of first-degree robbery but later pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, resulting in two years of supervised probation.
Community Impact
This incident has raised serious concerns in the Lexington community regarding safety, particularly given the nature of the crimes involved and the trauma inflicted on innocent bystanders, including children in their homes. As the community awaits further updates on Vanzant’s condition and the outcomes of the legal proceedings against Shanks and Mattingly, the local authorities have emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and engagement in ensuring public safety.
FAQ Section
Who are the suspects in the Lexington shooting?
The suspects are Jermaine Shanks and Jon’tay Mattingly, both 20 years old. They are charged with various offenses linked to the shooting of city employee Stephon Vanzant.
What happened to the shooting victim?
Stephon Vanzant was shot in the head and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. There have been no recent updates on his condition.
What charges are the suspects facing?
Both suspects face serious charges including first-degree assault, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
What is the bond amount for the suspects?
Both Jermaine Shanks and Jon’tay Mattingly have a bond set at $75,000 each.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspects | Jermaine Shanks, Jon’tay Mattingly |
| Victim | Stephon Vanzant (City Employee) |
| Shooting Date | September 18 |
| Arrest Dates | Shanks – September 21; Mattingly – September 19 |
| Injuries | Life-threatening injuries (shot in the head) |
| Location | Near Winburn and McCullough drives |
| Charges Against Suspects | First-degree assault, wanton endangerment, tampering with evidence, etc. |
| Bond Amount | $75,000 for each suspect |
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Second Arrest Made in Lexington Shooting
- Fox 56 News: Second Arrest Made in Connection with Winburn Drive Shooting
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Shooting Updates
- WXII 12 News: Third Suspect Charged in Lexington Homicide
- WTVQ: Second Suspect Arrested in Shooting of City Employee
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington Shooting Updates
- Google Scholar: Lexington Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Google News: Lexington Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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