Police Searching Waterville River In Connection With Vassalboro Murder

The State Police dive team is searching the Kennebec River in Waterville today looking for evidence related to a Vassalboro homicide two weeks ago.

According to Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland, troopers and members of the Maine Marine Patrol, who make up the dive team, are concentrating their efforts near the walking bridge that connects Waterville and Winslow.   A dozen divers began the effort this morning.  The deepest depth of the river is about 38 feet, near the bridge.

According to McCausland, detectives say they have information that the suspect in the homicide – Courtney Shea - may have seen on or near the bridge on November 21 between the hours of 7 and 11 p.m.   Anyone who may have seen Shea in that area is asked to call State Police in Augusta at 624-7076.

Shea has been charged with murder in connection with the stabbing death of Thomas Namer, whose body was found next to the house in Vassalboro where Shea lives.