ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY, Maine — A man from Leeds arrested Friday in connection with the killing of a Windham man who went missing almost a year ago was ordered held without bail Monday.
Joseph Chute, 30, is charged with one count of intentional or knowing murder in the death of Alex Jackson, whose body hasn't been found after he went missing May 14, 2023. Chute was in court for the first time Monday afternoon in Androscoggin County Superior Court.
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, police arrested Chute on Friday evening after a 10-month investigation into Jackson's disappearance. Chute is currently being held without bail at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn awaiting a Harnish hearing regarding bail.
Chute did not enter a plea Monday because murder is a felony charge. Judge Sarah Churchill explained that a jury would have to find probable cause that Chute was involved, and then the jury would issue an indictment. He's due back in court May 6.
In an unrelated case, Chute is facing recent domestic violence charges from two incidents which occurred in March, according to authorities. He pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges of domestic violence staking and terrorizing on Monday.