Salem Man Surrounded by Weapons in Basement of Exploded Home: Cops

SALEM, NH — Investigators working the scene of an exploded home at 20 Irving St. in Salem have identified the man found deceased inside of the home as Charles F. Hill, 55, of Salem, according to Capt. Joel P. Dolan of the Salem Police Department. Hill was located in the basement and passed away due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, he stated .

“Hill was in possession of an unknown type 7.62 mm long rifle, a 9mm handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, two knives, and 136 rounds of ammunition for the three firearms, 91 of which were for the rifle,” Dolan alleged. “Additionally, over 1700 rounds of ammunition and four exploded magazines were located in the residence.”

The cause of fire has yet to be determined and any release will come from the State Fire Marshall’s Office, Dolan stated.

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Police were called to the home on the afternoon of April 3, 2017, after a report of human activity in the home and a dispute between neighbors about a wood pile. The home had been condemned two years before and the town of Salem was reportedly planning to take the home due to unpaid property taxes, according to press reports.

As police arrived at the scene, they reportedly heard a hissing noise from the home as well as the odor of gas and left the area just before the home exploded.

Investigators report that the property had a number of booby traps laid out as well as debris and obstacles – including tree logs and posts with nails sticking out of them – which appeared to have been placed to trip up police and firefighters on the grounds of the home.

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