City of Watertown, New York

Police Department
Metro-Jeff Public Safety Building
751 Waterman Drive
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone (315) 786-2610
Fax (315) 786-2613
wpd@watertown-ny.gov Charles P. Donoghue
Chief of Police

Media Release
11/17/17

On or about 1:31 AM this date, we were detailed to a report of a structure fire at 202 Main Ave.
in the City. We learned there were two persons inside the building when the fire started. One
person escaped; however, we were advised that 83 year old Lewis E. Deshane, owner of the
building was last seen inside the burning structure.

At around 11:35 AM, a male body, since identified as Mr. Deshane, was located inside the
basement area. Dr. Samuel Livingstone, Jefferson County Medical Examiner, was on scene and
pronounced the death. This afternoon, Dr. Livingstone conducted an autopsy. He has ruled
Mr. Deshanes death as asphyxiation due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

This remains an active investigation. Our department is working with the Watertown City Fire
Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. If anyone has
information, please call our department at (315)782-2233.

Joseph R. Donoghue, Sr.

Detective Lieutenant