Death investigation underway in St. Mary's

Troopers from the Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a Callaway man whose body was discovered at the bottom of a well outside of his residence on Aug. 3.

The deceased is identified as Joseph Andrew Murrin, 53.

Murrin’s family had reported him missing the previous day to troopers at the state police Leonardtown Barrack after a fire occurred at his residence.

A state police press released stated police, firefighters and family members conducted a search of Murrin’s home and surrounding areas. Family members located him at the bottom of a well, approximately 30 feet deep and adjacent to the residence.

Troopers, along with firefighters from multiple departments and technical rescue specialists, responded to the scene.

“Following a coordinated effort, firefighters successfully recovered Murrin on Sunday afternoon,” the state press release said. “He was transported to the medical examiner’s office for autopsy.”

Among those involved in the recovery efforts were troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack, and personnel from the St. Mary’s County Volunteer Fire Service, the Montgomery County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and other fire and rescue agencies from multiple jurisdictions.

Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed the scene for evidence. Personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the St. Mary’s County Office of the State’s Attorney also responded to assist Maryland State Police criminal investigators.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Leonardtown Barrack at 301-475-8955. The investigation is ongoing.

The day before Murrin’s body was found, firefighting crews were dispatched to the residence for the report of a house fire.

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, a one-story, single family dwelling was on fire. Investigators said the blaze originated in the rear of the house, which sustained $100,000 damage. The fire was discovered by a neighbor.

Anyone with information on the fire that could aid investigators is asked to call the regional office of the fire marshal at 410-414-3613.