Paul Tatem sentenced to 28 years behind bars, but not for murder

A Salisbury man found not guilty of murder last month will still spend the next 28 years behind bars.

Paul Tatem, 35, was sentenced on Friday on a firearm possession charge, along with a violation of probation on charges of armed robbery, first degree assault, and use of a handgun.

Back in February, Tatem was found guilty of the firearm possession, but not guilty of murder in the April 2013 homicide of 72-year-old Donald Mariner.

Tatem’s DNA was reportedly found at the crime scene, and state prosecutors argued that he told his ex-girlfriend specific details about the crime. However, a jury was unable to find beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the crime.