WOODLAND, Wash. (KOIN) — The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect in the death of 62-year-old Donald Howard on Monday night, nearly two years after Howard was found facedown in his burning home with his wrists and legs tied together, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Dustin Alan Griffin, 39, was booked in the Cowlitz County Jail for first-degree murder.

Don Howard in an undated photo. His 2016 death was rule a homicide. (Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office)

Howard, who was described as a “class act guy,” was found dead underneath a blanket — which had an odor of accelerant — in his burning Woodland home on Nov. 22, 2016. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters found a propane torch next to the front door. They also found two five-gallon propane bottles and a path of liquid leading to Howard’s body from the front door, according to the affidavit At the time, neighbors told KOIN 6 News Howard had been a victim of multiple break-ins over the past year, but never troubled anyone. That is what sparked the murder, according to the affidavit. 

Howard collected gold jewelry, eagle knives, artwork, coins and watches. Detectives said the scene at the home looked consistent with a burglary. The place was ransacked and jewelry Hamilton normally wore was missing from his body and that his wallet was gone. 

In June, detectives got a break in the case. They interviewed the mother of Griffin’s ex-girlfriend, who claimed Griffin told her that he needed to get out of town “quick” because he robbed Howard, who he referred to as “Donny,” and it “went bad,” according to the affidavit. Griffin’s ex-girlfriend told police  Griffin had told her they thought Howard would be fishing, but he was instead home. Griffin allegedly told her they “didn’t mean to” kill him. 

Another suspect, Kristopher Hoyt, was arrested at the Monroe Correctional Complex for first-degree murder. Hoyt was interviewed by detectives on Sept. 27 at the jail.

He told police he participated in Howard’s murder with Griffin. On the night of Howard’s death, Hoyt said he and Griffin went to Howard’s home in a blue truck Griffin allegedly stole.

Hoyt told detectives they were burglarizing the home when Howard returned. That’s when Hoyt said Griffin hit Howard in the head with a baseball bat “numerous times.” They then backed the truck up to the home and made off with the stolen items, according to Hoyt.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson provided this statement about the nearly two-year investigation and arrest:

“This is an example of the great day-in and day-out hard work being done by our detectives. We knew from the beginning that we were going to solve this case, but it has taken hard work and tenacity by these guys to get it done. I couldn’t be happier for Mr. Howard’s family that this part of their nightmare is over.”