News

Judge rejects new trial request from man charged with murder in 1988 killing

Photo: Maine Department of Corrections


A Maine man who’s serving a life sentence for the killing of a 12-year-old girl in 1988 will not get a new trial.

Dennis Dechaine was convicted of killing Sarah Cherry after kidnapping her from a home in Bowdoin where she was babysitting.

His defense argued last spring that DNA from blood under the victim’s fingernails is not from Dechaine, but from an unknown assailant.

On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Bruce Mallonee said new DNA evidence did nothing to undermine the old evidence, including DNA found on his scarf, which was used to strangle the girl, and a stick that was used to assault her.

Latest Headlines

14 hours ago in Entertainment

Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion

Netflix has struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, the legacy Hollywood giant behind "Harry Potter" and "Friends," to buy its studio and streaming business for $72 billion.

1 day ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Parents under pressure offer creative tips for moving Santa’s spy Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf, who turns 20 this year, has created lots of family memories, laughter and the occasional parental panic over where to move the elf next.

2 days ago in Entertainment

The PlayStation turns 30: Looking back at the console that gave us Lara Croft and ‘The Last of Us’

From big-budget Hollywood fare like "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie, to Juice WRLD's video for "Hear Me Calling" to "The Last of Us" on HBO Max, the PlayStation experience has leapt far past the console.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Doctor who sold ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry gets 2 1/2 years in prison

A doctor who pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison on Wednesday at an emotional hearing over the "Friends" star's overdose death.

3 days ago in Entertainment

Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino to release ‘Gilmore Girls’ book in Fall 2027

After years of advice books, children's books and cookbooks inspired by "Gilmore Girls," an upcoming work promises a more personal take on the beloved series. The co-writers are "Gilmore Girls" creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and star Lauren Graham.