News

Man Accused in Arson Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Man Accused in Arson Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


CORINTH, Maine (AP) A Maine man charged with arson and attempted murder for setting his home on fire has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The Bangor Daily News reports the judge signed an order to commit 65-year-old Fred Roberts to the state Department of Health and Human Services after accepting the man’s plea Wednesday.

Psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Wisch testified in court that Roberts was experiencing a psychotic episode when he poured gasoline in his Corinth home and set it ablaze in January.

The fire forced Roberts’ companion, 70-year-old Barbara King, to jump out a second-story window. King was seriously injured in the fall.

Wisch says Roberts had multiple head injuries before the fire that contributed to his behavior.

Roberts will be committed for an undetermined amount of time.

Latest Headlines

18 hours ago in Local

Waldoboro Police Looking for Missing Man

Officers first announced the man was missing last Friday.

18 hours ago in Local

New Scam Targets Mainers With QR Code for Payments

The message included a QR code with payment instructions and a list of violations.

19 hours ago in Local

Bates College Lifts Shelter-In-Place as Lewiston Police Search for Armed Man

Students at Bates College in Lewiston were told to shelter-in-place Thursday afternoon due to reports of a man with a gun.

22 hours ago in Local

Maine motorcyclist dies after crashing into utility pole in Wales

A 51-year-old motorcyclist is dead after police say he crashed into a utility pole in Wales.

22 hours ago in Local

Maine Congressman Golden is sole House Democrat to vote against war powers resolution

Maine Democratic Congressman Jared Golden joined Republicans in defeating a measure to limit the president's ability to wage war in Iran.