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Marvin Purnell Sr.

Death by Force
Case Description
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Marvin Purnell Sr., aged 78, was found dead on September 12, 2016, in Pocomoke City, Maryland. His death was part of a tragic incident that also claimed the lives of his daughter, Karen Purnell, and his son, Marvin Desmond Purnell Jr. The Maryland State Police ruled the deaths a murder-suicide. Marvin Purnell Sr. was shot twice in the head, while Karen Purnell was shot in the back of the head and stabbed. Marvin Desmond Purnell Jr. was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a rifle beneat ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (7)
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  • WMDT.com: UPDATE: Victims in Pocomoke double murder-suicide identified
  • Delmarva Daily Times: Police name 3 dead in apparent Pocomoke murder-suicide
    •     ...View 5 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Marvin Purnell Sr.

    Male

    Black / African American

    Pocomoke-city

    MD

    2016-09-12

    78

    Marvin

    Purnell Sr.

    11/18/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been thinking a lot about the friend who initially requested the welfare check at the Purnell r... ...Read More
    09/24/2024
    I've been thinking a lot about the role that Marvin Desmond Purnell Jr.'s past legal issues might ha... ...Read More
    04/07/2023
    Did anyone else find it deeply troubling how the whole situation escalated at the Purnell residence?... ...Read More
    03/09/2023
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