WILTON – Eight State Police investigators descended on Franklin County in a coordinated interviewing blitz last Thursday, hoping to unearth information that would help solve the brutal killing of a Wilton contractor.

Sixteen weeks ago, Raymond E. Weed, 40, owner of New Horizon Builders, was found shot dead in the entryway of his 32 Main St. home by friends dropping off Christmas presents on Dec. 23.

A motive, murder weapon or suspect has not been found, leaving the investigators frustrated as is Weed’s family, which has been ripped apart by the killing.

Sgt. Walter Grzyb of the Maine State Police admitted there are many possible motives, but said not one has stood out to investigators yet.

Last month in an interview with the Sun Journal, Weed’s sister Rachel Fretz said that the family wonders if robbery was the motive as Weed’s home had noticeably less cash in it than family members would have expected.

Grzyb said robbery hasn’t been ruled out. “We try and keep an open mind,” he said. “It’s certainly an option, but other motives are as viable.”

A team of several detectives has been working regularly on the case, though not every day, Grzyb said.

Last Thursday’s effort was a chance to get a lot of work done in one day, he explained.

The team of eight met early at the Jay Police Station, then set out into Jay, Turner, Livermore, Wilton and Farmington, including a stop at Mount Blue High School.

Between 20 and 25 people were interviewed that day, Grzyb said, with several people being talked to by police for the first time.

At the end of the day, they were no closer to an arrest, he said.
Time helps, hurts
“Unfortunately, I can’t report any significant progress made on that day,” Grzyb said Tuesday. “We’re no closer today than we were a month ago to knowing who did this.”

From the beginning, Grzyb said he told the Weed’s family that police “may never find out who killed Butch.” Knowing their pain, he said he wishes more than anything he could give them the answers.

But Grzyb said he can look the family members in the eye and tell them investigators have done everything in their power to solve the crime.

“It’s an unsettled issue. You just don’t rest until you have all the answers,” he said.

As time goes by, statistically the chances of solving the crime dwindle. But, there also can be benefits. “Over time, relationships change,” Grzyb explained, noting that a couple may break up or a group of friends may have a falling out.

“As a result, bad blood may develop between a group,” he said. “Sometimes that change gives someone the motivation to come forward. Time can loose up information.”

Meanwhile, the Weed family waits. Last month, Fretz said time was the family’s “enemy. Every day that goes by, every hour, makes it harder,” she said. “The trail gets colder and colder, and the hurt just gets deeper.”
sdepoy@sunjournal.com


Info for Info Box
People with information about the case are being urged to call the Maine State Police at 1-800-228-0857 or to e-mail tips to cid1@maine.gov.

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