Courts and Crime

In the annual State of the Judiciary address, given virtually to the Maine Legislature on Wednesday, Acting Chief Justice Andrew Mead says the courts have been challenged to cope with the effects of the pandemic, not only because of the need for social distancing and other protective measures but because of the growing backlog of criminal cases.

There are 10,000 more criminal cases awaiting a resolution in Maine than there were a year ago, but the increase has been most pronounced in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

Kyle Fitzsimons, the Lebanon, Maine, resident arrested Thursday for his alleged role in the Capitol Hill riots last month, made his first appearance before a federal judge Friday afternoon.

A man from Maine was arrested Thursday in connection with the deadly Capitol Hill riot on Jan. 6.

Groups working to prevent domestic violence in Maine hope that the recent murder-suicide of a couple in the Franklin County town of New Sharon — and two other similar killings that happened in the couple’s family over the last 11 years — will serve as a reminder for residents to look out for signs of abusive behavior, particularly amid a pandemic that has only made it harder for victims to seek help.