SALISBURY — Nearly two weeks since the shooting death of a Salisbury man in the doorway of his home, no arrests have been made although detectives continue to vigorously work the case.
The search continued this week for the suspect or suspects wanted in connection with a homicide in Salisbury nearly two weeks ago. Around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, Salisbury Police responded to a residence on Bryn Mawr Ave. for a reported emergency. Officers found the victim, identified as James L.H. Skinner, 20, of Salisbury, lying in the entrance of the home with blood on him. Skinner was transported to PRMC where he was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy was conducted and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore determined the cause of death was a gunshot and the manner of death was homicide. Investigators learned Skinner had been living at the address for the past two months. The homeowner is reportedly a family friend, who also lives there with her two sons and one daughter, all teenagers.
The preliminary investigation indicated Skinner, the homeowner and the homeowner’s teenage daughter were in the residence when multiple persons entered the home. Detectives have not located any evidence of a forced entry, however.
Evidence indicates one or more of the suspects were armed. According to the preliminary investigation, some sort of confrontation occurred between the victim and the suspects, during which Skinner was fatally wounded.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was requested to respond and conduct the investigation. The MSP Homicide Unit was being assisted in the investigation by detectives and uniformed officers from the Salisbury Police Department as well the MSP crime scene technicians and investigators from the Gang Enforcement Unit.
A motive has not been determined. This week, investigators continued to interview and re-interview friends and associates of the victim to gain an understanding of the cause of the murder. In addition, forensic evidence has been forwarded to the MSP crime laboratory for examination and analysis. Investigators believe there are individuals who are close to or associate with the suspects and are aware of their involvement in the crime.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Crime Solvers of the Lower Shore is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the indictment of the individual or individuals responsible for the crime.