Surveillance, audiotapes used as evidence in homicide case
11/19/08 | 22 comments
court

Surveillance, audiotapes used as evidence in homicide case


Moores murder trial centers on identity of figure in video
By Nok-Noi Ricker
BDN Staff
In an image from a Shaw House surveillance video, a figure is seen pushing a wheelbarrow from First Street up the facility’s back driveway in Bangor in March 2007. The video was entered into evidence in the trial of Ashton Moores, who is accused of killing Christina Simonin. Prosecutors maintain that Simonin’s body, wrapped in a mattress cover, is in the wheel-barrow and that Moores is pushing it.

BANGOR, Maine — Three video surveillance tapes from buildings around where Christina Simonin’s bound and bagged body was found in March 2007 were shown Tuesday in the second day of the court case against Ashton Moores, the man accused of raping and beating her to death.

An audiotape in which Moores, 60, admits to borrowing a wheelbarrow from his landlord also was played for Superior Court Justice William Anderson, who is hearing Moores’ jury-waived rape and murder trial in Penobscot County Superior Court.

Moores is accused of savagely raping Simonin, 43, of Bangor and then killing her before using a wheelbarrow to move her body from his First Street apartment to where it was dumped beside a shed located between the Shaw House and an apartment building at 148 Union St.

Assistant Attorney General Andrew Benson alleges that Moores is the man on the tapes. Detective Brent Beaulieu, who is part of the Bangor Police Department’s criminal investigative division, testified that Moores admitted to him that he indeed was the man on the tapes.

“He confessed he did go by the Shaw House at around midnight to return it [the wheelbarrow]” to his landlord at 215 Hammond St., the detective said on the stand Tuesday. “He said that was him returning the wheelbarrow.”

The first surveillance video, which was recorded at 12:43 a.m. March 3, 2007, shows a grainy figure pushing a wheelbarrow up First Street and the side driveway of the Shaw House, located on the corner of First and Union streets.

An item that appears to be wrapped in a blue tarp is clearly visible in the wheelbarrow in that video, which was provided by the Shaw House.

The second video, also from the Shaw House and displaying the same time and date, shows a figure from the waist up, passing in and out of view along the bottom of the picture frame and then again seconds later at the top of the shot going behind the shed.

The third video, which was provided by the Together Place, located at 150 Union St., shows a figure apparently attempting to get into a locked trash receptacle, then a figure crossing the screen from the Second Street side, heading toward First Street. A few seconds later, the figure returns with a wheelbarrow heading toward Second Street and then, after a few more seconds, the figure is back again heading toward First Street.

Simonin’s body was found by four teens at around 8 p.m. March 3, 2007, wrapped in a blue vinyl mattress cover and a comforter.

Defense attorneys Terence Harrigan and Seth Harrow tried to demonstrate that there is no way to determine whether the figure in the tapes is Moores. They claim their client is innocent and that there are two other men that police failed to investigate thoroughly, who could have killed Simonin.

Moores, who has an extensive criminal history, is charged with gross sexual assault, intentional or knowing murder and depraved-indifference murder. If convicted of murder, Moores faces 25 years to life in prison. The gross sexual assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

Dr. Margaret Greenwald, the state's chief medical officer, testified Monday that Simonin died of “multiple traumatic injuries” and listed a head fracture, strangulation, chest fractures and sodomy. She also added that Simonin was alive when beaten and raped and could have died as a result of any of the brutal injuries.

On Tuesday the state produced witnesses who lived at the same apartment house with Moores, at 83 First St., or nearby at the time of the homicide. The witnesses testified to seeing a foam mattress with a blue vinyl cover in the hallway a few days before Simonin’s body was found. That mattress disappeared about the time the body was discovered. One witness said the next time he saw the mattress, it was shoved under the stairwell and it was missing its blue vinyl cover.

Four people also testified to smelling an overpowering odor in the First Street apartment building between a day and a week before the body was found. One witness said the last time he saw Simonin was Feb. 24.

Shirley Philbrick, who lived across the hall from Moores, testified that she gave Moores the comforter that was wrapped around the dead woman’s body.

Philbrick described the comforter, which had different patterns on the front and back, to police, and once shown pictures, verified the blood-soaked bed covering taken off the body was the same one she gave the defendant.

In his initial interview with police on March 5, Moores said he had not seen Simonin since Feb. 15. After police confronted him with information that a message had been delivered to Simonin at his apartment on Feb. 24, he changed his story and said the last time he saw her was Feb. 24, Detective Beaulieu said.

While interviewing Moores in his apartment, Beaulieu said he “saw a red-brown stain on the mopboard” that later was tested and found to be blood. The detective said that during a subsequent visit he found a foam mattress in the basement.

The cross-examination of Beaulieu by the defense will begin when Moores’ trial resumes Thursday morning.

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Comments
22 comments on this item
On 11/19/08 at 2:20 AM, bassman4447 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 11/19/08 at 8:20 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Thank God for surveillance cameras, they have caught many criminals. This is extremely sad to watch...that poor womans life was viciously taken and she was disposed of in such an evil sensless manner. This man we hope would suffer for the rest of his life...that is OUR wishes. BUT the reality is he will go to prison have good meals, clean clothes, tv etc and get attention by therapy probably on a daily basis...all while we taxpayers have to foot the bill. I still think there has to be a new punishment adopted for killers...????any ideas...In bible times they stoned them to death??????

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On 11/19/08 at 8:38 AM, Bangorean wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I think leaving guilt or innocence up to the jury is probably the more intelligent and enlightened approach, which is why I don't think there should be ANY comments that jurors could read on the BDN online on any of these pending cases.

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On 11/19/08 at 9:07 AM, JMW20851 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

If he raped her - Wouldn't there be DNA????

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On 11/19/08 at 9:10 AM, pcme2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

If the state can prove blood or anything else is in that wheel barrow with the video tape above fry the guy! He would be guilty. Just hope that they charged his with the right crime and don't plea bargin for say 3 years.

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On 11/19/08 at 9:16 AM, drhibbert wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bangorean, it is a jury waived trial. Just the judge.

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On 11/19/08 at 9:17 AM, davidhamel wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

BANGOREAN...It's a jury waived trial. It's up to the Judge.

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On 11/19/08 at 9:35 AM, RevGerald wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maine hasn't had capital punishment for over 100 years because two men put to death were later found to be not just "not guility" but absolutely innocent. And right now in Maine we have Dennis Deschaine an innocent man in prison..He would have been executed 20 years ago if Maine had the death penalty. And folks seem to forget that an innocent man...Our Lord Jesus Christ was executed..

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On 11/19/08 at 9:37 AM, RevGerald wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

There is no jury in this trial....It is important that folks understand that the court does not deal with "guilt" and "innocence"....NO ONE is ever found to be innocent in US courts. The court deals with "guilt" or "non guilty".....A person can be found to be "not guilty" and still have done the crime. It just wasn't proven.

"

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On 11/19/08 at 10:53 AM, Woody1 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Apparently the Rev Gerald is also Judge Gerald and Jury Gerald. He should be believed and not the jury that convicted Deschaine and the myriad of judges who have ruled to uphold the conviction in the myriad of appeals he has since placed and continues to place, which you and I continue and will continue to pay for. I just don't understand why the court system doesn't listen to Rev/Judge/Jury Gerald. It sure would cost you and I a lot less money.

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On 11/19/08 at 12:19 PM, nothernFF wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Fry him lets hit the switch and stop letting him waste my air. Better yet lets drag him and that tax dollar wasting scum Dennis Deschaine out into the street and take turns on them.

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On 11/19/08 at 1:04 PM, sweetchuck wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The state wants to save money by cutting everything they can! Why dont we start looking at the prisions how many criminals have been found guilty, sentenced for life? They now get to watch TV,exercise, their feed and greatest of all they have health care. We maintain the health to life sentenced prisioners!! Start hanging them! Cut spending on schools thats the future? How much money is spent maintaining a system that takes care of life prisioners to keep them healthy for the rest of there lives. To start saving money you can reuse a rope!

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On 11/19/08 at 1:18 PM, jdmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

aahhh... chuck your soo sweet! I kinda like it.

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On 11/19/08 at 1:36 PM, listenup wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I agree w chuck! Cheaper in the long run to just hang "em"...... lmao

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On 11/19/08 at 2:38 PM, cattypilly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I would just like to point out that it is actually MORE expensive to issue the death penalty than it is to sentence someone to life in prison. If a criminals life is at stake, by law they are allowed appeals and defense attorney. Not to mention all the mumbo jumbo (tv, food, health care, etc) to keep them alive until execution day, which probably wont be for at least 10 years down the road. Believe me a convicted felon sentenced to death is more likely to appeal their case more adamantly than a felon who is convicted to life in prison. Ideally it would be nice to "hang" or "fry" the guy, but what sense is it really gunna do? save you tax dollars? Pfsh ya right! As sad as it is...its cheaper for us to send them to life in prison.

Oh and the reason we dont have the death penalty in the state of Maine is because of a botched hanging. The guy didn't die...

just an FYI

Anyways, i think the guy is guilty, but i would like to know about these other two men the defense claims could have done it.

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On 11/19/08 at 3:52 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I agree with Rev Gerald, NorthenFF your an *!&^#%

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On 11/19/08 at 3:56 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Nothern FF what does the FF stand for (Fricken Fool) I would like to drag you in the streets and do a little number on your assets, so before you convict people in your own little head, you better think twice.

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On 11/19/08 at 4:40 PM, nothernFF wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I know the routine your are looking for a response or a rise but you will not get one here this is a comment section and you are allowed your opinion as much as I am my friend.

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On 11/20/08 at 8:56 AM, Amanda1982 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The guy is obviously guilty. What a sicko! It is extremely sad to watch that surveillance camera image of him knowing her body is in that wheel barrow. No one deserves to die like that. Unfortunately it happens a lot out there in this cruel world.

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On 11/20/08 at 11:03 AM, knine620 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

He can brutallize, torture and MURDER another human being like he did- yet had the respect to RETURN the wheelbarrow?!? I hope his sentence is life!!!

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On 11/20/08 at 5:39 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Your still a punk FF... with a sorry opinion. I knew Dennise since I was a yougster, you really struck a nerve my crap writing friend.

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On 12/9/08 at 1:45 PM, NoEarthlyForce wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

LincolnMOM, I agree with you. I don't believe in the death penalty, but I agree that we shouldn't baby the criminals with tv, and comon comforts that us we self respected citizens have. He should be in a very small cell with nothing to comfort him for the rest of his pathetic little life. Glad they found him guilty, I wish they could torture him everynight. And the fact that it happened in my hometown..where I once felt safe, scares me more then ever.

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