Police on Thursday confirmed that WCSH meteorologist Tom Johnston was the lone suspect in a sexual assault case.

Johnston, 46, was found dead on April 6 after being reported missing by his girlfriend on April 3.

Oxford County Sheriff Wayne J. Gallant on Thursday told reporters that Johnston had been identified as the suspect by both witnesses and the alleged victim. Gallant said Johnston, if alive, would have been charged with gross sexual assault.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation linking Johnston to the sexual assault, which allegedly occurred at a party at a residence in Newry.

Johnston hastily fled the party, according to witnesses, and was later found dead in Auburn as the result of an apparent suicide. The Sate Medical Examiner found Johnston died of hypothermia after inflicting wounds on his arms.

Johnston, known informally "T.J. Thunder,"  had been a meteorologist at WCSH Portland and WLBZ Bangor since 2014.

This story will be updated.

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