BELFAST — A judge is considering whether or not to offer bail to Matthew Pendleton, accused of killing his friend, following a Harnish bail proceeding at Waldo County Unified Court June 23.

Pendleton, along with his counsel and prosecutors, attended the proceeding to discuss the possibility of Pendleton being released from custody on bail pending trial. 

Justice Robert Murray, who is hearing the case, did not issue a ruling on the matter; instead he decided to take the matter under consideration before making a ruling at a later date. 

Pendleton is charged with murdering his former roommate and friend at the Lincolnville home they shared. After being arrested Jan. 5, Pendleton was arraigned Jan. 10, when he pleaded not guilty.

Pendleton is alleged to have caused the Jan. 5, death of Kevin Curit, 47. A Waldo County grand jury chose to indict Pendleton March 22 for the alleged intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder as a result of Curit’s death.

Maine law states that a Harnish bail proceeding must be held when a person is suspected of a capital offense. 

According to Maine law:

“Evidence presented at a Harnish bail proceeding may include testimony, affidavits and other reliable hearsay evidence as permitted by the court. If, after the hearing, the court finds probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed a formerly capital offense, it shall issue an order under subsection 3. If, after the hearing, the court does not find probable cause to believe that the defendant's alleged criminal conduct was formerly a capital offense, it shall issue an order under section 1026 and may amend its bail order.”

If granted release, Pendleton would be under pre-trial supervision and subject to any rules set forth by Justice Murray. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com