News

Man convicted in killing retrial gets new 35-year sentence

Man convicted in killing retrial gets new 35-year sentence

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUBURN, Maine (AP) A Massachusetts man who was convicted of a drug-related killing in a rare retrial of a murder case in Maine received a 35-year-sentence on Wednesday.

Marcus Asante, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was initially sentenced to 35 years stemming from the shooting death of Douglas Morin Jr. in Sherman. His conviction was overturned in 2020.

Asante testified that he fired in self-defense during a drug deal gone wrong. Prosecutors sought the same 35-year sentence and got it, the Bangor Daily News reported.

The state supreme court ruled after Asante’s first conviction that a judge made a mistake in instructions to the jurors. The murder conviction was the first to be set aside in Maine in more than 10 years.

Asante was then convicted of the 2016 killing of Morin a second time in September. He appeared for sentencing on Wednesday in an Androscoggin County courtroom.

The retrial was moved to central Maine because of concerns that an unbiased jury couldn’t be seated in northern Maine.

Latest Headlines

22 hours ago in Local

Graham Platner campaign manager resigns after controversial posts online resurface

Campaign Director Genevieve McDonald resigned from her post as campaign director yesterday, saying that the views expressed by Platner weren't values she could stand behind.

1 day ago in Local

Judge sentences Maine man to 38 years for the killing of his stepson

An Oxford man was sentenced Friday to 38 years behind bars for the killing of his stepson.

1 day ago in Local

Wardens offer $3,000 reward after lynx found dead in Aroostook County

Maine Game Wardens are offering $3,000 for information about the illegal killing of a Canada lynx.

2 days ago in Local

High Trails at Baxter State Park Closed for Season

The closure includes Owl Trail, which is the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail

2 days ago in Local

New York Man Tracked Down For Maine Murder

Maine State Police say the investigation is ongoing.