Teen Convicted in Salon Assault, Sentencing Set for January
The Prince George’s County State's Attorney's Office announced on November 14, 2025 that 19 year old Jayla A. Cunningham was convicted of second degree assault for an incident that injured a 15 year old client during a March 2025 dispute over payment at a local salon. The conviction and the upcoming January 22, 2026 sentencing underscore local concerns about public safety, youth accountability, and how prosecutors respond to assaults in community businesses.
The State's Attorney's Office issued a press release on November 14, 2025 announcing the conviction of Jayla A. Cunningham, age 19, for second degree assault in connection with a March 2025 physical altercation at a salon where the victim was a 15 year old client. Sentencing was scheduled for January 22, 2026. The office noted that second degree assault under Maryland law carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
According to the release, the altercation arose from a dispute over payment. Beyond the facts in the announcement, the office did not provide additional public comment on whether the conviction followed a trial or a plea agreement. The case draws attention because it involves an adult defendant and a juvenile victim in a community setting that residents often consider safe, such as local personal care businesses.
The legal classification of second degree assault enabled prosecutors to pursue a serious criminal charge. Maryland law provides a range of sentencing options subject to judicial discretion and statutory limits. The maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison represents the upper boundary and does not predict the sentence the judge will impose on January 22, 2026.
For residents of Prince George's County this case raises practical questions about safety protocols at small businesses, how payment disputes are managed, and what training or de escalation measures might reduce the risk of physical confrontations. It also touches on broader public policy considerations, including how the criminal justice system balances accountability for young adults with rehabilitation and community reintegration.
The conviction will likely factor into local conversations about public safety priorities, prosecutorial discretion, and support services for both victims and offenders. With an upcoming sentencing date, the public and civic leaders have an opportunity to assess whether existing prevention strategies and county resources address the underlying causes of such incidents, and to weigh policy options ahead of future local elections where public safety frequently influences voter decisions.
