Salisbury Man Convicted of Witness Intimidation

On April 4, 2016, a Wicomico County jury convicted Tyrell Adrian Joyce, age 28, of Salisbury, Maryland, of inhibiting testimony of a witness, intimidation of a witness, and obstruction of justice. In a rare move, Joyce was tried in absentia after fleeing the courthouse during a morning recess prior to jury selection. Joyce had been free pending his trial date after posting bond in the case. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 5, 2016, though a bench warrant for Joyce’s arrest is still outstanding.

The case began on September 29, 2015, when Joyce twice went to the Salisbury home of a State’s witness in an unrelated case involving a friend of Joyce. Joyce threatened the witness by advising her that if she did not “drop the charges” and attempted to appear in court for trial that Joyce would make sure the witness did not make it to court. The witness called police and Joyce fled the area. The witness, however, did appear in court the very next day and testified against Joyce’s friend who was convicted of a misdemeanor offense. The witness was also able to identify Joyce to Salisbury Police officers after Joyce arrived in the courthouse in support of his friend who was on trial.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Salisbury Police Department for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Mr. Maciarello also thanked James L. Britt who prosecuted Joyce and Special Investigator Tracy Kilgore and Victim/Witness Coordinator Wayne Lowe for their assistance.