Police confirm Pocomoke murder was drug related

During a press conference Monday morning Maryland State Police confirmed that the Dec. 1 shooting of James Allen in Pocomoke was not a random attack, but rather a drug related killing. Sunday police were able to arrest 36-year-old Anthony Tunnel in connection with the crime.

"I want to clarify that this was not a random act of violence, this crime was absolutely a targeted crime where the victim James Allen was absolutely targeted by the defendant in this case, Anthony Tunnel," said Lt. Earl Starner, Maryland State Police Berlin barrack commander.

Starner added that they "absolutely" believe the killing was drug related.

On Dec. 1 Pocomoke City police got a call about a man staggering in the middle of the street. When they responded they found Allen lying dead on the street at the intersection of Market St. and 4th St. suffering from multiple gun shot wounds.

Starner said a significant amount of evidence was gathered at the crime scene and that extensive interviews were done that led up to police obtaining a warrant for Tunnel's arrest on Dec. 8.

Starner said they were able to arrest Tunnel at Motel 6 in Salisbury around 7 a.m. on Dec. 11.

During the press conference Starner also said that their investigation led them into parts of Accomack County and as of now, it's not clear what ties this crime has to any larger criminal activity.

Going forward Starner said the investigation was very "active" and that they would need the community's help.

Allen is currently being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center pending trial.