Man dead, woman in critical condition following assault in Guilford, Maine
Suspect in custody, according to Maine State Police
Suspect in custody, according to Maine State Police
Maine State Police officials say a man is dead and a woman is in critical condition following an assault in the town of Guilford, and that a suspect is in custody.
The Piscataquis County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Maine State Police shortly before 7:20 p.m. Sunday with an investigation related to an apparent assault on Pine Street in Guilford.
State police said the Sheriff's Office responded to 24 Pine St. for a wellbeing check and found two seriously injured adults inside a neighboring home at 26 Pine St. moments later.
A man and a woman were transported to a hospital. Police said the man died of his injuries while on the way to the hospital, while the woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The man was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of his death.
The woman who was critically injured in the assault is a member of the Maine School Administrative District #4 (MSAD 4) staff, according to a statement shared by Superintendent of Schools Kelly MacFadyen.
"Our school community is deeply saddened by the tragic events involving a valued member of our school staff and her family. Our thoughts and heartfelt concern are with her and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time," MacFadyen said in her statement.
Ryan Carleton, 49, of Guilford, was arrested by the Piscataquis County Sheriff's Office on the charge of aggravated assault as a result of the initial investigation. Carleton is being held at the Piscataquis County Jail, and state police said the charges against him will be elevated pending an arraignment, which is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Piscataquis County Judicial Center.
Authorities believe this is an isolated incident and that there are no ongoing public safety concerns.
State police are asking anyone with information related to this incident to call 207-973-3700 ext. 9 and ask to speak with Det. Jacob Ferland. Police also said information can be submitted to the Major Crimes Unit via an online tip portal.
McFadyen said counselors and other support staff will be available as needed to provide support to MSAD 4 students, families and staff members. The guidance office will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and support can be provided outside of those scheduled hours if needed. The superintendent said people can call 207-876-4625 for assistance.