A man dies as a result of arson On a tragic day in Manchester, New Hampshire, a deliberately set fire claimed the lives of two individuals, leaving a lasting scar on the community. The male victim of this senseless act was 51-year-old Ray Blanchette. On October 24, 1978, the Manchester Fire Department was called to a blaze at a residence located at 541-547 Chestnut Street. The responders battled the flames, and in the aftermath of the destructive event, a grim discovery was made.
Inside the building, the bodies of Ray
Blanchette and a woman, 53-year-old Pauline Miller, were found. The subsequent investigation into the cause of the fire took a dark turn when the State Fire Marshal determined that the fire was not accidental, but a case of arson. The cause of death for both Blanchette and Miller was determined to be smoke inhalation.
The intentional nature of the fire meant that this was not just a tragic accident, but a double homicide. Law enforcement officials began an investigation into the deaths of Ray Blanchette and Pauline Miller. However, despite their efforts, the case grew cold over the years. To this day, the homicide of Ray Blanchette remains unsolved. There have been no arrests made in connection with the arson, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case is now considered a cold case, and authorities continue to ask for anyone with information to come forward.
