News

3 teens accused in deadly Lewiston apartment fire face felony murder charges

3 teens accused in deadly Lewiston apartment fire face felony murder charges

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


LEWISTON, Maine (AP) Three teenagers accused of starting a fatal apartment building fire have been charged with felony murder, officials said.

Two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old were charged last month with arson, but those charges have been upgraded to felony murder, the attorney general’s office said Friday.

The building was evacuated during the fire, but Felicien Betu, 70, was trapped on the top floor, officials said. He died from his injuries after he jumped from a window to escape the flames last month.

Felony murder is a charge that can be brought when a death occurs during the commission of a felony crime.

The juvenile’s names have not been made public, and it’s unclear which attorneys are representing them.

Latest Headlines

9 hours ago in Local

Collins Breaks with Republicans to Vote to Shut Down Iran War

She joined GOP Kentucky Senator Rand Paul to back the measure

10 hours ago in Local

No Injuries, Schools Secure After Shots Fired in Lewiston

The Lewiston School Superintendent said that police had informed them of the shooting.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine Boy Dies After Being Pulled from South Carolina Hotel Pool

Police in South Carolina are still investigating

12 hours ago in Local, National

Janet Mills drops U.S. Senate bid before June 9 primary

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday dropped her bid for the U.S. Senate, pointing to a lack of…

12 hours ago in Local

Drug bust at Scarborough hotel leads to charges for Cape Elizabeth man

A Cape Elizabeth man is accused of selling drugs out of a hotel room in Scarborough.