Maine Man Charged with Murder for the Death of His Neighbor

A Brunswick man is facing charges in connection with the death of one of his neighbors.

Brunswick, Maine Man Charged With Murder for Death of a Neighbor

Keith Brunelle, 58, of Brunswick, is charged with murder and criminal use of explosives.

He's accused of killing James Smith, 48, of Brunswick.

Smith's body was found on September, 1, 2026, when Brunswick Police Officers responded to 5 Valerie Avenue for a report of gunshots.

Maine Man is Accused of Killing His Neighbor in Brunswick

Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss said the resident of the home was taken into custody at the time and transported to the Cumberland County Jail.

Now, officials say Brunelle was originally arrested on a bail violation and transported to the Cumberland County Jail, before being released on bail.

Detectives continued their investigation and Brunelle was again taken into custody on Friday, September 11, 2026, from a residence in Augusta.

Brunswick, Maine Man is Charged With Murder for Death of Man on Valerie Avenue

He's charged with murder and criminal use of explosives and is being held at the Cumberland County Jail.

Officials have not commented on a motive for the murder or whether Brunelle and Smith were acquainted with each other, prior to the death.

This incident remains under investigation by Maine State Police, in cooperation with the Brunswick Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

We'll update this story as more details become available.