Grasonville Man Charged with Arson of Occupied Home

Queen Anne's County,  Deputy State Fire Marshals from the Upper Eastern Regional Office have concluded their investigation of an arson fire in Grasonville with the arrest of an adult male. Sean Nicholas Murphy (27) was taken into custody at his home located at 632 Caspian Drive in Grasonville on Monday night by Deputy State fire Marshals after being issued a warrant for his arrest.

The fire occurred on Sunday, September 17,2017 at an occupied one story single family home located at 102 Jewel Court in Grasonville, Queen Anne's County, MD. The fire was intentionally set in multiple locations on the exterior of the home. A neighbor driving by the scene observed smoke and alerted the two occupants, who were sleeping at the time of the fire. The occupants, a 76 year old woman and her granddaughter were able to exit the home safely. The neighbor then called 911 and alerted the Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department. The neighbor was able to extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of the Grasonville Volunteers.

There were no reported injuries. The small exterior fires caused an estimated $3,000 in damages to the home.

During the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the home was owned by Patricia Dotson and that her neighbor, Mr. Sean Nicholas Murphy intentionally poured gasoline and set multiple fires on the exterior of the home.

A Trooper from the Maryland State Police assisted Deputy State Fire Marshals by transporting Murphy from his residence to the Centreville Barrack to be questioned by Deputy State Fire Marshals at the conclusion of them executing a search and seizure warrant at Murphy’s home.

Mr. Sean Nicholas Murphy was later transported to the Queen Anne's County Detention Center by Deputy State Fire Marshals and charged with 1st Degree Arson, two counts of Reckless Endangerment, 1st Degree Malicious Burning and Malicious Destruction of Property over $1,000.00. Murphy was held on no bond.

If convicted of all charges, Sean Nicholas Murphy faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison and/or $67,500 in fines.