Man Sentenced to 55 Years for Murder in Maine

A man was sentenced to 55 years in prison for Murder in Maine.

Man Will Serve 55 Years for the Death of a Friend

Joseph Chute from Leeds was charged with fatally shooting Alex Jackson in the head.

Victim was Reported Missing

Investigators said Jackson was reported missing from Chute’s farm in May 2023.

Body Found in a Barrel Several Months After Murder

Police found and recovered Jackson’s body in a barrel in Stark, New Hampshire several months later.

Victim Died from a Gunshot Wound to the Head

Autopsy results confirmed he was shot in the head and killed by the gunshot wound.

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Two Men had a Dispute Over Money and a Tractor

Prosecutors said the dispute between the two men was over Chute owing Jackson money for a tractor. Police said Jackson was on the farm to take the tractor back.

Defendant Pleaded Not Guilty and was Tried by a Jury

Chute pleaded not guilty to the charges in May, 2024. He was convicted by a jury in Androscoggin County following a week-long trial.

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Prosecutors Wanted a Sentence of 70 Years in Prison

Prosecutors had asked for a 70 year sentence. He was given 55 years in prison.

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Restitution to the Victim’s Family and the Maine Warden Service

Chute will also pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim’s family and $7,000 to the Maine Warden Service.