Bangor man sentenced to life in prison following murder of ex-girlfriend
On Tuesday, a Penobscot County judge handed down a life sentence to 44-year-old Richard Thorpe.
Thorpe was convicted by a jury in June for killing his ex-girlfriend Virginia Cookson.
WABI news reports 16 people stood before the court to share victim impact statements including some of Thorpe’s family members who also voiced their support for the life sentence.
State prosecutors tell WABI they hope the trial and maximum sentence sends a message regarding the severity of domestic abuse.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/09/01/bangor-man-sentenced-life-prison-2024-murder-virginia-cookson/
Standoff stems from domestic dispute in Perry
A domestic dispute in Perry on Saturday morning ended in a six-hour armed standoff and the arrest of Roger Brown Jr., 32.
Washington County dispatchers received a 911 text at 2:00 a.m. reporting a domestic incident in progress.
The female victim later called 911, stating Brown was pointing a gun at her and a juvenile inside the home.
Responding deputies and Pleasant Point officers safely evacuated the woman and child.
Brown, who had already fired multiple shots inside, retreated back into the house with a handgun.
A perimeter was established, and the Maine State Police Tactical Team was called to the scene. After a brief escape attempt through a window, Brown surrendered to tactical officers at 8:30 a.m. without further incident.
Brown was arraigned Monday on charges of child endangerment, domestic violence reckless conduct, domestic violence criminal threatening, and domestic violence assault.
He is held at the Washington County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.
Teen in Maine adjudicated in ‘764’ network case
According to the FBI a 17-year-old from Maine is the first in the entire country to be federally charged and adjudicated for acts of nihilistic violent extremist groups in the 764 network
The group befriends minors through online platforms and coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior.
The teen has not been named but will serve a term of detention followed by juvenile delinquent supervision.
The FBI says the teen committed multiple acts of juvenile delinquency including conspiring to sexually exploit a child, sexually exploiting and enticing a child, distributing child sexual abuse material, sending interstate threats, cyberstalking victims and identity theft.
Maine State Police commemorates 25 years after 9/11
Maine State Police cruisers will sport a new look honoring the heroes of September 11.
Starting now through Sep. 14, commemorative license plates will be displayed on cruisers across the state.
The plates will have designs honoring the heroes lost 25 years ago with the Trooper Black Foundation logo which symbolizes hope and support for first responders and their families.
The plates will also go up for auction on Sept. 15 to benefit the Trooper Black Foundation named after Trooper Charles Black who was killed in the line of duty in 1964.
To place a bid you can follow the link below.
https://www.mainestatetroopersfoundation.org/
Ellsworth Public Library launches ‘Dial-A-Craft In-Person’ program
Now that school has returned, some parents may be seeking some afterschool activities.
For ages eight and up spanning for four weeks, leaders at the Ellsworth Public Library will host Dial A Craft in person.
The Tuesday afternoon programs will give kids a chance to choose a random craft and show off their creativity.
The program is set for 3 p.m. each Tuesday so to learn more or if you have questions follow the link.
Fall Gift Basket raffle returns in Ellsworth
A new gift basket at the City Clerk/ Tax Office is awaiting your bid!
The Fall gift basket raffle is underway through Sept. 20.
You can stop by and purchase tickets for the basket full of sweet treats, fall decor and so much more!
All of the proceeds from the seasonal gift supports the Christmas for Kids fund which ensures local kids receive gifts during the holiday season.
To learn more just head to the city clerk tax office or follow the link.
