Central Maine Murder Suspect Will Not Stand Trial

According to an article on the KJ website, a Norridgewock man who allegedly killed one man and seriously injured another will not stand trial.

The article explains that 38-year-old Kendall Purnell, of Norridgewock, has been accused of killing 71-year-old Harold Burgess on February 7th.  The incident reportedly took place at 40 Walnut Drive in Norridgewock, which is listed in court papers as Purnell’s address.

He also reported used a wooden board to seriously injure 45-year-old Shawn Haggan.

At approximately 1 a.m. on February 8th, Waterville police stopped a vehicle at the Irving gas station and convenience store located on Kennedy Memorial Drive. They found Purnell inside the vehicle, questioned him, and subsequently arrested him.

During his Friday court appearance, it was announced that Purnell was deemed unfit to stand trial for the crimes at this time.

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The case has been postponed until the court determines that Purnell is competent to stand trial. He will be placed in the custody of the commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services and will be admitted to a suitable residential program where he will receive observation, care, and treatment.

The court and the attorneys handling the case will get updates on his progress every 60 to 180 days.

It is hoped that eventually Purnell will be fit to stand trial for the crimes he is accused.

*NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court fo law