Murder trial in northern Maine to get underway this week

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HOULTON, Maine (AP) A Maine man charged with killing his 79-year-old stepfather in Bridgewater is due to stand trial.

Jury selection in the trial of James Peaslee, of Easton, is set to begin on Wednesday. Opening statements will begin once a jury is seated.

Police arrested Peaslee just hours after they responded to a 911 call and found Paul Hilenski’s body in his Bridgewater home in January 2018.

Peaslee has been held without bail since then.

Police have released little information but the indictment indicates a gun was used to kill Hilenski. Records indicate Peaslee has been convicted of multiple crimes including criminal threatening terrorizing, assault and drug trafficking.

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