Wicomico County, MD - On October 5, 2023, following a two-day jury trial in the Circuit Court of Wicomico County, Maryland, Davonte Purnell, of Snow Hill, Maryland was convicted of First-Degree Assault, Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and related charges. 

The Honorable Judge Matthew Maciarello, Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, presided over the trial. Sentencing was postponed pending the completion of a Pre-Sentence Investigation. Purnell remains in custody pending sentencing.

On September 10, 2022, while outside of a residence in Fruitland, Maryland, Purnell retrieved a black handgun from a nearby vehicle and pointed the gun at the victim. 

The victim contacted the Fruitland Police Department after retreating to a safe location. Officers from the Fruitland Police Department and allied agencies subsequently executed a search warrant at a residence Purnell was known to frequent and were able to locate and seize a black handgun matching the description provided by the victim. 

Purnell was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes commended the members of the Fruitland Police Department for their work, specifically thanking Sgt. Jackson. SA Dykes also commended Senior Assistant State's Attorney Heather Clarke, for her advocacy in this case.