A Philadelphia man is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of 35-year-old Henry Palmen, who was found dead in a King of Prussia hotel room on Monday afternoon.
Jonathan Tunnell, 40, has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, possession of a prohibited firearm, firearms not to be carried without a license and possession of a weapon, in connection with the shooting on June 14.
Upper Merion Police responded to the Fairfield Inn around 3:30 p.m. on Monday after a maintenance worker found a suspected overdose victim in one of the hotel rooms. Arriving police found the victim — later identified as Palmen — dead with a small-diameter bullet wound to the side of his head. The room was also littered with numerous packages of marijuana edibles and a large amount of white and orange pills, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators said they learned that the victim had arranged a meeting to sell/buy illegal drugs with Tunnell, who was captured on surveillance footage walking along Mall Boulevard near the Fairfield Inn at 10:26 a.m. Tunnell was again captured on surveillance “walking quickly in the opposite direction” at 10:46 a.m., police said.
Witnesses at the hotel also confirmed Tunnell entered the building and went into an elevator, according to the criminal complaint.
“Upper Merion Police did an outstanding job in their immediate actions in the hotel room. They secured needed evidence to quickly solve this murder, which appears to have happened during a drug deal gone bad,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “This defendant was just released on parole last August and was wanted prior to this murder for violations to his parole and probation. Excellent and fast police work, with help from U.S. Marshalls, got this dangerous defendant off the streets.”
Tunnell was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals near the Philadelphia airport earlier this morning. Following his arraignment, Tunnell was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on June 28 at 10 a.m. in front of District Judge William Maruszak.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause.
See also:
Firearm Used In Montco Homicide Recovered, Norristown Man Charged With Making Straw Purchase
Two More Arrested In Connection With April Shooting In Norristown
Montco Man Charged With Murder In Death Of Norristown Man On Sunday Night
Philadelphia Man Charged With Murder In Connection With Shooting Death Of Ebony Pack In Lansdale
Bucks County Man Accused Of Drive-By Shooting With BB Gun At Home In New Britain Borough
