Maine State Police Make Arrest in 2025 Central Maine Killing

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, following an investigation that lasted over eleven months, the Maine State Police have made an arrest in the case of a killing that took place in Clinton.

The press release explains that the Maine State Police arrested 66-year-old James Simonson of Clinton on Thursday afternoon and charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with a deadly shooting that happened on Main Street in Clinton back in late June of 2025.

Investigators say 68-year-old William “Bill” Parent, also of Clinton, died from the injuries he suffered in the shooting.  An autopsy performed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined Parent’s death was caused by gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

Police arrested Simonson at approximately 3:20 PM on Thursday afternoon in Clinton before transporting him to the Kennebec County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail..

*NOTE - all suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law.

At this point, the authorities have not offered any details on the evidence used to obtain the arrest warrant or why they believe he did it.  We can assume that these details will be revealed when, and if, the case goes to trial.