Mr. Potts struck the victim in the head with a golf club before delivering several stab wounds including one to the neck
On June 11, 2006 Patrol Officers responded to the Bay District Fire Department in Lexington Park, Maryland for a report of an injured person. Upon arrival the officers received information that there was a suspect in the building that may have caused serious injury to another occupant.
Soon after, suspect Nicholas Thomas Potts III (Age 22 of California, Maryland) exited the building covered in blood. He was detained by the officers. Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) continued the investigation. Three Search and Seizure Warrants were obtained and served and numerous items of evidence were located.
Mr. Potts and the victim had driven together to the firehouse to attend to some business. Once inside, a dispute began between the two men. Mr. Potts struck the victim in the head with a golf club before delivering several stab wounds. One mortal wound was to the neck. Mr. Potts then attempted to clean the crime scene and conceal the victim's body.
The victim, James Augustus "Gus" Choporis (Age 46 of Great Mills, Maryland) was located in the second floor storage area of the building.
Mr. Potts was treated at St. Mary's Hospital for a minor cut to his hand before being charged with one count of First Degree Murder, One count of First Degree Assault and One count of Second Degree Assault. He is currently awaiting a hearing before the District Court Commissioner. Additional charges are pending a State's Attorney and Grand Jury review.