SUSPECT CHARGED IN WICOMICO COUNTY MURDER
(SALISBURY, MD) 15:05:27, 07/29/2014– Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with the murder of a Wicomico County man and an assault on his housemate that occurred earlier this year.
The accused is identified as Paul A. Tatem, 35, of Quantico, MD. A Wicomico County Grand Jury issued an indictment charging Tatem with first and second degree murder, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of robbery, two counts of first and second degree assault, attempted first and second degree murder, first degree burglary, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, two counts of wearing/carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment ordered Tatem be held without bond in the Wicomico County Detention Center.
The indictment was served on Tatem today at the detention center by Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators. Tatem was originally arrested in the Salisbury area by members of the Maryland State Apprehension Team on July 1, 2014, on a parole retake warrant and a theft warrant. He has been held in the detention center without bond since that time.
Tatem is charged with the murder of Donald G. Mariner, 72, who was found dead in his home in the 27000-block of Pemberton Drive, Salisbury, early on the morning of April 16, 2014. Mariner and his housemate, a 50-year-old man, had both been assaulted when suspect(s) entered the home during an apparent home invasion. Mariner was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined Mariner was murdered and died from blunt force injuries. The younger victim survived.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigation developed evidence and information that was presented to the Wicomico County Grand Jury, with the assistance of the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Grand Jury issued the indictment charging Tatem with Mariner’s murder and the assault of the other victim.
Multiple departments and units assisted with this investigation. They include the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation, Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico CAC, Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, and Maryland State Police units including the Gang Enforcement Unit, Criminal Enforcement Division, Crime Scene Unit, State Apprehension Team, and Salisbury Barrack.
The investigation into this murder and assault is continuing. Additional arrests are possible.
Tatem is charged with the murder of Donald G. Mariner, 72, who was found dead in his home in the 27000-block of Pemberton Drive, Salisbury, early on the morning of April 16, 2014. Mariner and his housemate, a 50-year-old man, had both been assaulted when suspect(s) entered the home during an apparent home invasion. Mariner was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined Mariner was murdered and died from blunt force injuries. The younger victim survived.