Maine man sets estranged wife's home on fire before killing himself, police say
FAIRFIELD, Maine -- A central Maine man set his estranged wife’s house on fire during the middle of the night before fatally stabbing himself in front of responding officers, police said Sunday.
Shortly after midnight Saturday, Terry Whitney, 63, went to his estranged wife’s home, shut off the power, and set fire to his truck and the house, police said.
His wife called police and escaped uninjured.
When an officer arrived, police say Whitney had a propane torch in his hand and ran to the back of the house. The officer used a Taser on him but it was ineffective because of Whitney’s bulky clothing, The Portland Press Herald reported.
A second officer arrived and also used a Taser.
Police said Whitney then pulled out a knife and cut himself, but they would not provide further details about his injuries. Police would not identify where Whitney stabbed himself, but he died of his injuries at a local hospital, CBS affiliate WGME reported.
The home had exterior damage and was deemed uninhabitable due to broken windows and concerns about damaged electrical wiring, according to the Press Herald. Vehicles were not heavily damaged, WGME reported.
Whitney had been charged with criminal mischief and domestic violence assault Oct. 31 and was under a court order to keep away from his wife, police said.