Maine Man Charged With Manslaughter in Connection With Fatal Assault

An Augusta man has been charged in connection with the death of a man who passed away several weeks after a brutal beating.

According to an article in the KJ, 42-year-old Warren L. Sidelinger, of Augusta, has been charged in connection with the death of 57-year-old Joseph McKenna.

The article explains that, during a July 18th altercation on Water Street, Sidelinger allegedly hit McKenna with a closed fist.  This caused McKenne to fall to the ground, hitting his head.

Once McKenna was on the ground, Sidelinger then allegedly yelled at the victim before kicking him in the face.

When first responders arrived on the scene they reported that McKenna's eyes were partially open, that his limbs were stiffening & relaxing, and that he had a small amount of blood on his shirt.

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McKenna was initially taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta with head injuries. He was later LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

McKenna passed away on July 30th.

Sidelinger, who was identified on video surveillance footage of the incident, was arrested on July 20th.  He reportedly admitted to assaulting McKenna because the deceased reportedly did something inappropriate to his niece.  Police have not yet released specific details about that allegation.

Prior to the assault Sidelinger had allegedly been overheard saying that McKenna was 'on his list'.

Sidelinger is reportedly being held on $15,000 bail and is due in court on Wednesday.

*NOTE: All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law