Bangor Police say the death of a man who was found inside his burning home on Friday morning has been ruled a homicide.

When fire crews arrived at the home on Essex Street they could hear smoke alarms going off. Authorities say there was fire in the kitchen and the house was full of smoke.

The resident, 59-year-old Berton "Bert" Conley, was found unconscious inside the home. Conley was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he died later that day.

Over the weekend, the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined the death to be a homicide. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office say the fire was deliberately set. Bangor Police continue to investigate.

If anyone has information regarding the activities or whereabouts of Mr. Conley the night of October 31st into the morning of November 1st, they are encouraged to contact the Bangor Police Department.

Conley's brother, Carroll Conley, Jr. told the Bangor Daily News that Bert was unemployed in recent years due to serious heart and lung problems. He had four children.

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