Maine State Police and Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office Conduct Assault/Death Investigation in Guilford

On Sunday, August 16, 2026,at approximately 7:19 PM, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Maine State Police with an investigation related to an apparent assault on Pine Street in Guilford. The Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office responded to 24 Pine Street for a wellbeing check and moments later located two seriously injured adults inside a neighboring residence at 26 Pine Street. An adult male and adult female were transported to the hospital. The male died from his injuries while being transported to the hospital. The female remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Due to the facts and circumstances of the case, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North was assigned to provide assistance to the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout the evening and overnight hours, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North and other law enforcement partners worked to further the investigation. Due to the complexity of the investigation, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North will take the lead on the investigation moving forward, with the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office remaining involved as a key investigative partner. Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team will process available evidence at the scene. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

As a result of the initial investigation, 49-year-old Ryan Carleton of Guilford was taken into custody by the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of Aggravated Assault. Carleton is currently being held at the Piscataquis County Jail. His charges will be elevated pending an arraignment on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:45 am, at the Piscataquis County Judicial Center.

Law enforcement believes this is an isolated incident and there are no ongoing public safety concerns.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with relevant information related to this case is asked to contact the Maine State Police at 207-973-3700, ext. 9, and ask to speak with Det. Jacob Ferland.

Information related to this case may also be submitted to the Major Crimes Unit – North via an on-line tip portal. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/report-crime/major-crimes-unit-north