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…