Chickens killed; Man found in urine

DELMAR, Md. (WMAR) – Deputies say about 70,000 chickens were killed, and the suspect was found passed out on the floor of a shed in his own urine.

Joshua Shelton of Delmar has been charged with burglary second degree, trespassing and malicious destruction of property after the incident during the morning hours of August 25. Officers with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office say Shelton somehow managed his way onto a chicken farm off East Line Road in Delmar and flipped a switch that controls the water, food and climate for the birds.

The result – thousands of chickens, about $20k worth, were fit to be plucked.

According to a report provided by the sheriff’s office, Shelton was found by the owner of the farm. He was reportedly wearing only a t-shirt and boxers. Deputies say he reeked of alcohol.

When asked why he was on the property, Shelton said he somehow ended up there after a concert. He reportedly told officers he had no recollection of how he ended up in the chicken house or how the power was turned off.

Shelton is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.