Murder Trial in Northern Maine Set To Start

HOULTON, Maine (AP) — The trial is due to start for a Maine man charged with killing his 79-year-old stepfather in Bridgewater.

Opening statements on Thursday in the trial of James Peaslee, of Easton, follow the selection of a jury the day before.

Police arrested Peaslee just hours after they responded to a 911 call and found Paul Hilenski's body in his Bridgewater home in January 2018. Peaslee has been held without bail ever since.

Police have released little information but the indictment indicates a gun was used to kill Hilenski.

Records indicate Peaslee has been convicted of multiple crimes including criminal threatening terrorizing, assault and drug trafficking.