BANGOR (AP) — Opening statements are getting under way in the murder trial of a 49-year-old Maine man charged in the beating death of a construction company owner over a property dispute.
Peter Robinson, of Bradford, goes on trial today in Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor. Robinson is charged in the death of 71- year-old David Trask, of Hudson.
Police say Robinson and Trask had a history of disputes over access issues regarding land owned by Robinson.
Police say on Nov. 12, 2011, Trask came at Robinson with a crowbar in a dispute, and that Robinson grabbed the metal bar and beat Trask to death, striking him three times across the face and chest.
Robinson claims he acted in self-defense.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less