Brunswick man charged with murder in neighbor’s fatal shooting

Murder Charge Filed After Brunswick Neighbor’s Gunshot Death

A Brunswick resident has been arrested on a murder charge after his neighbor was shot and killed early on September 1. Police say the deceased, 48‑year‑old James Smith, was found dead at the front of his mobile‑home unit on 5 Valerie Ave. in the Bay Bridge Estates park.

The Incident

Around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, a resident of the same street, Treyvon McKenzie, reported being awakened by a loud bang coming from a neighbor’s home. “I heard police yelling and thought I saw a body,” McKenzie told reporters the following day. He heard what sounded like two gunshots, followed by more shouting, and saw first responders lay a sheet over the body before escorting someone into a police cruiser.

Police arrived shortly thereafter and discovered Smith’s body. An autopsy performed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta later determined Smith died from a gunshot wound. The examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Arrest of Keith Brunelle

The suspect, 58‑year‑old Keith Brunelle, who has lived at 5 Valerie Ave. for at least 18 years, was taken into custody in the early hours of the same morning. He was first detained on a bail‑violation warrant and transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he was released after posting bail. Later that day, detectives obtained a murder warrant for Brunelle. He was re‑arrested before 10:30 a.m. and is now being held without bail.

Brunelle faces a murder charge and an additional Class C felony charge of criminal use of explosives.

Context

This is the second Brunswick homicide involving neighbors in roughly five months. In April, 45‑year‑old Tanner Dostie was charged with the fatal stabbing, dismemberment and burning of 61‑year‑old Dennis Blasen, a retired Navy veteran. Dostie has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.

Police Statements

“We are treating this as a homicide and are following all investigative protocols,” said a Maine State Police spokesperson in a Friday release. The agency added that no other suspects had been charged at the time of the announcement.

The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the motive and any possible accomplices in the case. The community remains on edge after two violent incidents within a short period.