Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release
Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
SERIAL ARSON ARRESTS INVOLVING WASHINGTON AND FREDERICK COUNTIES WASHINGTON COUNTY (April 9, 2013) – A joint investigation involving investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Fire Investigation Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has resulted in charges being brought against multiple suspects involved with setting several fires in Washington and Frederick Counties. The Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office was instrumental in supporting the efforts of the joint investigation. The suspects have been identified as: Tyler Murray (20) of Williamsport, Maryland, Sarah Mathews (19) of Adamstown, Maryland, Olivia Hannah (20) of Frederick, Maryland and Morgan Nield (20) of Hagerstown, Maryland. Murray has been charged with 6 counts of 2nd Degree Arson and 1 count of Malicious Burning 1st Degree, Both Mathews and Hannah have been charged with 1 count of Malicious Burning 2nd Degree and 1 count of Conspiracy 2nd Degree Arson. Neild has been charged with 1 count of Conspiracy 2nd Degree Arson and 1 count Attempted Arson. On March 17, 2013 in the 10600 block of Connor Road in Williamsport, Washington County, 2 trash containers were found to be intentionally ignited by investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Nearly 40 additional fires have occurred since that date to include: mulch, mailboxes, hay bales, vehicles, barns and a garage. Investigators have determined boredom was the initial motive of the first fires and progressed into a personal vendetta against the local Deputy State Fire Marshal by Tyler Murray. The estimated damages resulting from these fires is $200,000. The investigation continues into developing additional suspects involved with this case. Additional charges are expected to be brought before the Washington County Grand Jury on a later date. ### Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876 The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208