Putnam man arrested in arson investigation
N. GROSVENORDALE — Feb. 9 the Connecticut State Police charged Walter J. Lawson, 43, of Putnam with first-degree arson. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation into a May 12, 2024 house fire.
Police said the fire marshal determined the blaze was intentionally set, originating from three separate exterior locations. An accelerant K-9 found gasoline residue and a 5-gallon gas can was recovered about .3 miles from the scene.
Police said DNA from the gas can and an abandoned cell phone matched Lawson through CODIS.
Police added jail phone recordings captured Lawson stating he planned to burn the house down and witnesses later confirmed Lawson poured gasoline around the residence and ignited the fire. No injuries were reported.
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