Maine State Police Investigating Sunday Evening Killing

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, a man is in custody following an alleged assault that caused the death or a man and seriously injured a woman.

The press release explains that members of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office were called to 24 Pine Street in Guilford around 7:19 PM on Sunday, August 16th, for a welfare check.

Moments later, deputies located a seriously injured adult man and woman inside a neighboring home at 26 Pine Street.

Both victims were taken to the hospital. The man died from his injuries while being transported. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Because of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North was called in to assist with the investigation.  After working through the evening and overnight hours, state police will now take the lead in the case, with the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office continuing to assist.

Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team are expected to process 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 arrested and charged with aggravated assault.  He is being held at the Piscataquis County Jail.

Authorities say the charge is expected to be elevated.  Carleton is scheduled to appear for arraignment Tuesday at 11:45 AM at the Piscataquis County Judicial Center.

*NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law

Investigators believe the incident was isolated and say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

If you have information pertaining to the case, please call the Maine State Police at 207.973.3700, ext. 9, and ask to speak with Det. Jacob Ferland