Prosecutors in Gregory Nisbet’s manslaughter trial have called the third-floor rooms at 20 Noyes St. ‘death traps,’ but a 2012 complaint about an illegal apartment did not trigger a physical inspection.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Sides in landlord’s trial clash over safety requirements for building where fire killed six
The defense tries to refute a state official’s testimony that 20 Noyes St. was run as a rooming house and lacked adequate detection systems and escape routes.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News
Survivors describe efforts to escape Noyes Street fire amid screams of trapped occupants
Day two of landlord Gregory Nisbet’s manslaughter trial in six deaths includes testimony about building conditions that hindered the path to safety.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Prosecutor: Landlord rented out ‘death traps’ in house where fire killed 6
Gregory Nisbet’s defense disputes the state’s allegation that the building was being used as a rooming house, which requires additional alarms and fire security.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Trial will ask whether Portland landlord is at fault in fire deaths
It would be a first in Maine if Gregory Nisbet is convicted of manslaughter over building conditions, and many will be monitoring the case closely.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Portland landlord’s statements after fatal fire allowed as evidence in trial
Gregory Nisbet is due to go on trial next week on manslaughter charges related to the 2014 apartment building fire that killed six young adults.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Council’s Housing Committee backs proposals to protect Portland renters
One would require more notice before a rent increase, but some say the changes don’t do enough for tenants squeezed by the hot housing market.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Susan Collins cites 5-year-old who lived in Portland woods in Senate speech on anti-poverty bill
In introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act, she recounts the Maine Sunday Telegram’s ‘heart-wrenching’ story about Arianna and her family’s ordeal.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Story of 5-year-old living in Portland woods prompts flood of offers to help
Dozens of readers of the Maine Sunday Telegram article offer the girl’s family clothes, toys, furniture and other support.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland secures more overflow shelter space
Now everyone who seeks shelter in the city should be able to lie down at night.