EASTON, Md.- An Easton man was arrested Wednesday on murder charges in the death of a 91-year-old man.
Officers with the Easton Police Department responded to the 100 block of Tred Avon Avenue in Easton Tuesday evening around 9:15 p.m. in reference to a welfare check. When officers arrived, they say the door in the back of the home was left open.
Once inside, police found Richard Brunkhorst, 91, dead.
An initial investigation found that Brunkhorst had injuries consistent with an altercation, according to police. It was also discovered that the victim's car was stolen. Investigators with the state's Tech sector were called in to help and process the scene.
Just before 1 a.m. the following day, officers with the Maryland Transportation Authority found the vehicle on westbound Route 50 near Exit 29 in Anne Arundel County. Officers initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver.
The driver was 46-year-old Charles Smullen of Easton. Smullen was taken into custody. Officers said they found guns - which were stolen from the victim's home - inside the car and in plain view.
Smullen was then taken to the Easton Police Department where he was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, home invasion, assault in the first and second-degree, reckless endangerment, and theft.
Smullen is being held in the Talbot County Detention Center.