Probe into Farmington man's death expected to be completed tomorrow

Arthur 'Chip' Cardinal Jr. (Courtesy photo)

FARMINGTON - The investigation into the death of a Farmington man whose body was found amid the rubble of a Route 11 fire on Wednesday continues, Farmington's police chief said today.

Police and the state's fire marshal on Thursday identified the victim as 44-year-old Arthur "Chip" Cardinal Jr., who co-owned a town business, S. Cardinal & Sons for many years.

Farmington Police Chief John Drury said today that members of the State Police Major Crimes Unit are expected to meet to complete their investigation and tomorrow there will likely be a meeting at the state fire marshal's office.

As of today the manner and cause of death have not been released.

Safety officials in a statement also did not confirm Cardinal as the owner or renter of the residence that burned, which is located at 677 Route 11 next to a NAPA Auto and Truck Parts store.

The fire was first reported around 6:26 a.m. Fire crews arriving at the scene found the structure fully involved.

"We have a few more interviews today and hope the case will be cleared up by tomorrow," said Drury. "This has been very tough on the family."