Arson

Charles “Chip” Townsend, 32, of Robbinston, has been arrested for Arson and Depraved Indifference Murder following the investigation into the fire that claimed the life of 66-year-old Wayne Morrill. On October 7, 2020, the State Fire Marshall’s Office was called to investigate a fire at Wayne Morrill’s residence located at 88 Ridge Road in Robbinston. Morrill was located in the home and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Morrill died as a result of smoke inhalation. The State Fire Marshall’s Office contacted the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North to help investigate Morrill’s death. With the assistance of Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Calais Police, and Washington County Sheriff's Office, the investigation determined that Townsend set the fire that caused Wayne Morrill’s death. Townsend was arrested and has been transported to the Washington County Jail where he will await his initial appearance.