Peck man arrested in connection with Orofino man's death from homicidal violence

A Peck man has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in connection with an Orofino man's death, according to Idaho County Sheriff's Office.

Sunday, the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office received a call of a camper on fire in an undeveloped campground on Forest Service Road 103. The reporting party advised there was a deceased person at the camper. This was determined to be in Idaho County and both Idaho and Clearwater County deputies responded.

An autopsy conducted on the victim on Monday, determined the victim had injuries consistent with homicidal violence. The victim was identified as Wayne Michael Hodges, 24, Orofino, ICSO said.

Investigation led detectives to apply for an arrest warrant for Chase William Chandler, 24, Peck. Chandler was arrested on Tuesday in Peck on a charge of second-degree murder, according to ICSO. He is being housed in the Nez Perce County Jail, according to Vinelink.

Although an arrest has been made, the investigation is ongoing and anyone who has any information regarding this case, please call the Idaho County Sheriff's Office at (208) 983-1100 option 0.

The Idaho County Sheriff's Office worked closely with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office during this investigation. ICSO would like to thank Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, State Fire Marshal's Office, Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, Idaho County Coroner Cody Funke, Ada County Coroner's Office, Idaho State Police and Lewiston Police Department for their cooperation and assistance on this case.

Photo: Chase William Chandler (Courtesy of Idaho County Sheriff's Office)