(POCOMOKE CITY, Md.) - The two victims and one suspect involved in an apparent double murder suicide Monday morning are "good people" who were "loved by many," according to their neighbor.
To Janice Elliott, Pocomoke City, Maryland, lives up to its motto of being the "friendliest town on the Eastern Shore." So when she found out her neighbors of 35 years were involved in an apparent double murder suicide, she was in disbelief.
"They were just good people," said Elliott. "I mean, nothing I've ever seen out of them except good will towards everybody."
The suspect is identified as 46-year-old Marvin Desmond Purnell. He was related to both victims, Marvin Wilmer Purnell (father) and Karen E. Purnell (Aunt). Police say Marvin Desmond was pronounced dead at the scene.
But Elliott describes all three neighbors as good Christian people and caring individuals.
"They would do anything in the world for you. Big Marvin, as we called him, Senior, he was very active in his church, raised his children," said Elliott.
Elliot says she remembers how much Marvin Wilmer Purnell, victim and suspect's father, loved gardening.
"He would share it with all of us. He was just here last Thursday and brought me the last of his tomatoes."
Sergeant DaVaughn Parker of Maryland State Police tells WRDE there is no known motive or new information at this time. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police say two victims's bodies were found decomposing on the kitchen floor of a residence located at 2242 Groton Rd. The victims are identified as 78-year-old Marvin Wilmer Purnell, and 53-year-old Karen E. Purnell. Both of the victims' bodies will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. Investigators anticipate the autopsy will verify the cause and manner of death.
According to Maryland State Police, shortly after 10:30 a.m. Monday deputies from the Worcester Sherriff's Department responded to a call to the Purnell residence to check on the welfare of Karen. Karen's friend had not heard from her for some time and physically responded to the Purnell residence. Karen's friend contacted the Worcester Sherriff's Department after receiving no answer and smelling a very strong disturbing odor coming from the residence.
When deputies arrived at the home, they found it to be secure from the outside, with no signs of forced entry. Deputies attempted to make contact with someone inside the residence. As deputies continued attempts to make contact they heard the voice of a male. Deputies asked the male to open the door and the male failed to comply with commands to open the door.
Deputies were able to retrieve a key to the Purnell residence and gained access. Deputies found two decomposing bodies, later identified as Marvin Wilmer. and Karen, lying on the kitchen floor and a third body in the hallway opposite the kitchen, later identified as Marvin Desmond. After observing the three bodies, deputies exited the home for safety and to setup a perimeter.
Deputies attempted to contact Marvin Desmond by cell phone and loud speaker. The efforts continued for approximately one hour. Deputies deployed a CS gas canister through a window located on the west end of the residence in an attempt to force any occupant out of the residence. As a result of the CS canister being deployed a fire ignited in the residence. The Pocomoke Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire.
Deputies and fire fighters entered the residence and extricated the body of Marvin Desmond. A rifle was located beneath his body. Examination of Marvin Desmond revealed what appeared to be single gunshot wound. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was requested to respond and take the lead on this investigation. Additional assistance is being provided by State Police Criminal Enforcement Division investigators and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators have been interviewing witnesses and residents in the area throughout the day. Crime scene evidence has been transported to the State Police Forensic Sciences Division crime laboratory for analysis. State Police crime scene technicians processed the scene. This investigation continues.