Sudlersville man arrested for attempted arson targeting ridgely transport company over personal dispute

Ridgely, MD – A six-month investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office has led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Sudlersville man accused of trying to set fire to multiple vehicles at a Ridgely transport business earlier this year.

Deputy State Fire Marshals from the Upper Eastern Region Office served an arrest warrant Friday on Marshall Allan Murphy following a Caroline County grand jury indictment. Murphy faces 16 charges, including second-degree arson and three counts of attempted second-degree arson, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence.

Investigators said the case began in July when the owner of Murphy’s Transport discovered one vehicle had sustained fire damage and ignitable liquid had been poured inside three others. The incident caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. Authorities determined the business was deliberately targeted amid an ongoing personal dispute between Murphy and the owner.

Murphy was taken into custody without incident in Greensboro and is being held at the Caroline County Department of Corrections without bond.

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