News

Mother of missing girl seeks to expand wrongful death suit

Mother of missing girl seeks to expand wrongful death suit

Photo: clipart.com


WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) The mother of a toddler who went missing more than a decade ago wants to expand her wrongful death lawsuit following a review of newly obtained police evidence.

Trista Reynolds, the mother of Ayla Reynolds, filed a wrongful death suit against Justin DiPietro in 2018. Ayla was 22 months old when she went missing in 2011 from a home in Waterville; a judge declared her legally dead six years later.

William Childs, the lawyer for Trista Reynolds, wants the complaint amended based on reports and photographs from the office of the state attorney general and Maine State Police, the Morning Sentinel reported.

An expert who reviewed the evidence concluded there was a “distribution of bloodstains of Ayla’s blood” in the Waterville home where she lived, Childs wrote. The expert also found “evidence that a person or persons attempted to ‘clean up’ Ayla’s blood before investigating authorities arrived to document the scene,” the attorney wrote.

There have been no criminal charges after the largest and most expensive criminal investigation in state history. Maine State Police have said the case is still open and active.

DiPietro’s attorney, Michael Waxman, said he’s waiting to receive the expert report. He also said he’s “a little bit shocked that at this late juncture we’re now receiving these new allegations.”

Ayla was living with her father in Waterville when she disappeared. The father and two other adults were in the home on the night she was last seen, and state police have said they know more than what they’ve told investigators.

When she disappeared, the blond, blue-eyed toddler was wearing pajamas with the words “Daddy’s Princess” on the front. One of her arms was in a soft cast on her broken arm.

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Trump Shuts Down Offshore Wind in New England; Nova Scotia Eyes Opportunity

The administration’s freeze on U.S. ocean wind projects could set clean energy back a decade. Nova Scotia’s massive Wind West project hopes to fill the gap and even sell power to the U.S.

6 hours ago in Local

Federal Policy Could Push Hundreds of Mainers Out of Long-Term Housing

HUD plans to cut funding for permanent supportive housing and shift to transitional programs, leaving vulnerable Mainers at risk of homelessness. Advocates warn shelters could be overwhelmed.

7 hours ago in Local

Maine Announces $550K in Grants to Boost Coastal Resilience

The state just announced $550,000 in grants to help communities prepare for future storms and flooding. Towns and regional groups can apply for funding to strengthen infrastructure and plan for climate risks. Applications are due Jan. 5.

7 hours ago in Local

Portland Unveils Maine’s First Electric Boat Charger

Portland just unveiled the state’s first electric boat charger at Wright’s Wharf. The move is part of a push to cut emissions and noise in the marine industry.

7 hours ago in Local

Overdose Deaths Continue to Decline in Maine for Third Year

Overdose deaths have dropped for the third year in a row! Fatal overdoses are down 23% compared to last year, and officials credit naloxone distribution and expanded treatment options. If the trend continues, Maine could see the fewest overdose deaths in six years.