In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 28, 2017, investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to a structure fire in Whitneyville. Soon after arrival, a body was discovered in the burned-out home. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North and the Evidence Response Team responded to the scene. The victim was later identified as the homeowner, 48-year-old Wayne Foss. The remains were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy was performed, and Foss’s death was ruled a homicide. Despite an extensive investigation, the case remained unsolved. Like all unsolved homicide cases, it remained an active investigation and detectives vigorously pursued every lead in the case over the next six years. Last week that diligence culminated with three people being indicted by a Washington County Grand Jury.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at approximately 4:00 pm, Major Crimes Unit North Detectives with assistance from the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Yarmouth Police Department, and Saco Police Department arrested 33-year-old Justin Matthews formerly of Pembroke, Maine, in Saco. Matthews was arrested on a warrant for Murder, Felony Murder, Arson, and Robbery. Matthews was transported to the Washington County Jail where he is being held without bail.
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at approximately 5:00 am, 27-year-old Leanza Boney was arrested at his Staten Island, New York City apartment by members of the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and Major Crime Unit North Detectives. Boney was arrested on a warrant for Murder, Felony Murder, Arson, and Robbery. Boney was transported to the 107th Precinct in Queens for processing pending extradition.
27-year-old Basilio Liranzo also from New York City, is currently incarcerated in the Maine State Prison on unrelated charges and will be charged with Felony Murder, Robbery, and Arson.
These three arrests serve as a reminder of the Maine State Police’s tireless commitment to solving crimes and seeking justice for victims and their families.
Shannon Moss
Public Information Officer