Health and Human Services investigators visited the home of Jasper Smith 7 times without taking action. On May 17, he died from a gunshot wound when he accessed a handgun registered to his stepfather.
Joe Charpentier
Staff Writer
Joe Charpentier came to the Sun Journal in 2022 to cover crime and chaos. His previous experience was in a variety of rural Midcoast beats which included government, education, sports, economics and analysis, crime, and environment. He loves surprising his editors with spontaneous enterprising stories and prides himself on mastering the ability to slip the odd Oxford comma by the copy editors. When not on the beat, Joe enjoys spending time with family, writing fiction and woodworking.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State, News
Androscoggin River, once a ‘national disgrace’, should be recognized for cleanup efforts, advocates say
Advocates propose reclassifying the water quality of the river from Rumford to Lisbon — a move they say could spark economic growth.
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State, Maine Crime, News
Illegal firearm purchases in Maine feeding gun trafficking across U.S.
In places like Lewiston, a sharp rise in gun violence begs the question: How many firearms are acquired by people lying about who the gun is for?
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers to consider beefed-up gun storage rules in effort to prevent accidental injuries, deaths
The debate over LD 1120 comes after a 4-year-old Lewiston boy died this weekend in a shooting, the latest tragedy of its kind in Maine.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine Crime, News
Man sentenced for stealing from postal workers, post offices in central Maine
Lance Funderburk and his accomplice targeted post offices in Paris and Monmouth, and postal carriers in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Religion and Values
Mainers witness selection of new pope as white smoke rises in Vatican City
Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will become Pope Leo XIV, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after the conclave election.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Outdoors, Schools and Education
Maine students head outdoors for Life Happens Outside Challenge
The weeklong challenge, which begins Friday, motivates middle school students to spend more time outdoors, offering a chance to win cash prizes while fostering well-being in students and staff.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
AmeriCorps cuts will hurt Maine communities, volunteers say
The loss of $400 million in grants to programs across the country puts at risk the service of more than 120 participants in Maine. Now they’re asking, ‘Why are we under attack?’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Religion and Values
Maine community leaders remember Pope Francis as humble, charitable pontiff
Pope Francis, 88, died Monday morning after more than 12 years as head of the Catholic Church.
Posted inBusiness, Lewiston-Auburn, Local & State, News
Maine Tesla owners remain mixed on Elon Musk’s brand
The once-revered electric vehicles have endured vandalism, public scorn and a wave of trade-ins by some drivers no longer comfortable with what the brand represents.