Salisbury, MD – On March 15, 2023, following a two-day jury trial, Markel Barkley, age 31, of Salisbury, Maryland, was convicted of Assault in the First Degree, Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm, and related offenses.
The Honorable S. James Sarbanes, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, presided over the trial. Sentencing was postponed for the completion of a pre-sentencing investigation. Barkley remains in custody pending sentencing.
On October 11, 2022, Barkley and his then-girlfriend were ending their relationship when the girlfriend told him to leave the residence of which she was the sole lessee.
At that time, Barkley brandished a handgun and pointed it at the victim’s head. The victim immediately began texting 911 and remained in text message communication until Troopers arrived and she ran from the residence.
Barkley then exited the residence briefly but failed to comply with the Trooper’s commands and retreated back into the residence, locking the door behind him.
A few seconds later, he broke out the back window and fled the residence. The firearm, which was later determined to be an illegal, un-serialized firearm, also referred to as a “ghost gun” was located at the back of the property, directly in line with the broken window.
An extensive search for Markel Barkley was undertaken by the Maryland State Police and allied agencies, including tactical units, canines, helicopters and drones. Barkley was subsequently located by the Salisbury Police Department on October 12, 2022 during an unrelated call for service.
Wicomico County State’s Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes commended the members of the Maryland State Police for their work and quick action in the investigation, specifically thanking Trooper Todd, Sergeant Keidel, and Corporal Mazet.
SA Dykes also thanked the allied agencies who responded and participated in the extensive search for Barkley, particularly thanking Officer Derasmo of the Salisbury Police Department for his persistence in identifying Barkley. SA Dykes also commended Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Bourdon, for her advocacy in this case.