Man, 72, killed in Salisbury home invasion

SALISBURY Crime scene tape was looped around the large trees in front of a pale yellow rancher in a rural part of Pemberton Drive on Wednesday morning, blocking the public from the site of Donald G. Mariner's murder.

Mariner, 72, who lived in the home in the 27000 block of Pemberton Drive, was pronounced dead at the scene, Maryland State Police said.

Another male victim, whom police did not name because of safety concerns, was injured and was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Investigators were still seeking a suspect Wednesday.

Richard Baker, of Salisbury, who had been a friend of Mariner's for close to 50 years, said Mariner was a nice person who would help out whenever needed. He did a lot for the Salisbury Moose.

Baker and Mariner were both Moose members, and Mariner, a good carpenter, built the Moose's bar, Baker said.

Baker, a Moose member of about 31 years, said Mariner had been there at least that long.

"He was a very, very nice guy, very community-oriented," Baker said.

Police were brought to the scene about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The injured victim told police he was assaulted with a blunt object, according to state police. It was unclear what the blunt object was, and it was also unclear what Mariner's preliminary cause of death was.

State police said Mariner will undergo an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

The suspect was described as a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. State police Sgt. Marc Black did not have a further description of the person, but state police said investigators were continuing to develop leads.

Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is offering a reward of up to $2,000 in the case.

Black said Wednesday it was too early to know whether the suspect and victim knew each other or what a motive may be.

The investigation is continuing.

Fruitland resident Kathy Pusey hadn't seen Mariner, whom she knew as "Donnie," in about two or three years. She said she knew him better about 40 years ago, when she and her husband would spend time together with him and his wife.

"The Donnie that I knew was a good guy," Pusey said.

She described him as a nice and humble person.

"He wouldn't hurt anybody," she said.

Baker said Mariner was well-regarded.

Baker described himself as "devastated" by what happened.

"It's a tragedy, it truly is," he said.

HAVE INFORMATION?

Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is offering a reward of up to $2,000 in this case. Crime Solvers can be reached at (410) 548-1776.

People with information also can call the Maryland State Police Salisbury barrack at (410) 749-3101. Anyone in danger should call 911.