Portland man charged with murder in stabbing of group home employee, police say
The Portland Press Herald • • nation
Key Points:
- Armando Javier Negrete, 40, a resident of the Shalom House group home in Portland, has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of employee Marlene McNeill, 40, of Gorham.
- McNeill was taken to Maine Medical Center where she was pronounced dead; the incident occurred at the nonprofit residential facility that supports adults with severe mental illness.
- Shalom House expressed condolences to McNeill’s family and community, emphasizing their focus on the well-being of employees, clients, and the victim’s family.
- Former colleague Mea Tavares described McNeill as a compassionate and skilled worker who helped residents manage daily needs and deescalate conflicts, highlighting the tragedy’s reflection on the need for mental health resources.
- Police conducted an extensive investigation at the scene, evacuating other residents via fire truck ladder, and Negrete is being held without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.
