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Police: Ex-boyfriend arrested in connection with Bangor woman's homicide

Richard Keith Thorpe of Bangor was arrested in Massachusetts early Friday morning.

BANGOR, Maine — A Bangor man was arrested Friday morning in Massachusetts in connection with a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead Wednesday at a home on Larkin Street, police said Friday. 

Bangor police said they were notified around 9 a.m. Wednesday about a possible death at the home. When they responded to the residence, they found the body of 39-year-old Virginia Cookson. 

One of Cookson's coworkers apparently went to her home after she did not show up to work Wednesday and contacted police after not being able to make contact, according to a news release issued by the police department.

The chief medical examiner's office ruled the death a homicide Thursday after an autopsy was performed. 

Bangor police said officers were called to the home about a week before Cookson's body was found for a reported "family fight" there. 

Police shared Friday morning that an arrest had been made in connection with the homicide. 

Richard Keith Thorpe, 42, of Bangor was taken into custody on a Maine Fugitive From Justice warrant by police in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, investigators shared Friday.

Police said his arrest came after a brief police chase, which prompted nearby schools to initiate a lockdown. The lockdown lasted less than 10 minutes, according to police.

Bangor police added that neither Cookson nor Thorpe have any known ties to the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area.

Thorpe reportedly waived extradition and will be returned to Bangor as soon as possible, police stated. He is facing a murder charge in connection with Cookson's death.

The investigation is ongoing.

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