SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The second day of trial wrapped up Tuesday for a South Portland teenager accused of plotting a school shooting. The teenager was arrested in 2023 and is facing charges of solicitation for murder and arson.
A third witness, "Jane Doe," testified on Tuesday, saying the defendant had told her about his idea to shoot up South Portland High School. She said the defendant had asked her if she wanted to shoot up the school, but she said she "never believed he was serious" and didn't think he "would go through with anything."
Doe, a former friend of the defendant, said they often discussed details about the Columbine school shooting, like the shooters' weapons and details found written in the shooters' notebooks.
The defense argues there is no evidence the teenager solicited someone to commit murder because there was no expectation or evidence proving the defendant actually believed the shooting would take place.
The defendant is also charged with arson for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails around South Portland's Wainwright Sports Complex. The incident was captured on camera, and prosecutors played the video in the courtroom on Monday.
The defense argues there is no date to prove when the video was actually recorded, and the video alone shouldn't be the basis for an arson charge. Prosecutors said the video proves the teen recklessly endangered someone else's property and also put himself in danger.
In a statement sent to NEWS CENTER Maine, Defense Attorney Amber Miller said:
"It is the State's burden to prove our client's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Based on the evidence presented by the State, they will not meet that burden. Although our client has been presumed guilty in the court of public opinion, he is innocent of these charges. We have full faith that the Court will weigh the evidence presented and make the right decision."
The proceedings are being held as a bench trial, meaning there is no jury, and the judge will make a ruling in the case. In his final words before concluding on Tuesday, Cumberland County Judge Peter Darvin said he would apply the appropriate legal standards beyond a reasonable doubt when making his decision.
The state and defense have two weeks to submit final arguments to the court. Judge Darvin will then review the case and make his decision.