James Edward Joyce was 31 and living in Salisbury, Maryland, when he was shot during a home invasion on the evening of December 26, 2016. Police were flagged down and found Joyce and his mother, Hilda Barkley, both shot inside a two-story Baker Street apartment. Joyce died en route to Peninsula Regional Medical Center; an autopsy confirmed a gunshot wound homicide. Barkley survived after treatment for two gunshot wounds.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators treated the incident as a targeted attack against Joyce. In February 2017 two 18-year-old Salisbury men, Keone Davis and Daquawn Waters, were arrested; both were already wanted on outstanding gun-related warrants and were charged with first- and second-degree murder and related offenses in connection with Joyce’s death and the assault on his mother. Authorities indicated the investigation remained active and suggested there could have been additional suspects; a reward was offered for information.

Someone who knew James, his whereabouts that night, or who has information about the people involved is asked to come forward.