A New Hampshire home destroyed in a fire was the scene of a homicide earlier this month.
Firefighters in Derry responded to 151 Bypass 28 just before 2 a.m. Monday. Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion and home fire at the address, Fire Chief Michael Gagnon said.
On scene, firefighters found the residence fully engulfed and said the building experienced a partial collapse. Due to the significant damage sustained to the building, it is considered a total loss, Gagnon said. An adjacent garage appeared undamaged.
It wasn’t immediately known if anyone was inside the house at the time. No first responders were injured during the incident. A total of 27 firefighters from Derry, Londonderry and Windham responded to the call, while additional communities provided station coverage.
Earlier this month, 79-year-old Roderick Munstis pleaded not guilty to shooting and killing his wife, Ellen Munstis, who was found dead inside the home on Aug. 10. Police say Roderick Munstis had called 911.
An autopsy concluded that Ellen Munstis, 74, died of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest in a homicide.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting. An affidavit detailing the facts of the case is under seal.
Roderick Munstis faces alternative counts of second-degree murder. One alleges he “knowingly” caused her death, while the other alleges he “recklessly” killed her. He was ordered held without bail pending trial.