Maine experienced a troubling increase in homicides in 2024, with a total of 35 recorded deaths—just short of the second deadliest year since 1989. The state, which saw 53 homicides in 2023 (the highest on record), had 40 in 1989. According to Maine State Police, the increase includes multiple back-to-back killings and a concerning number of young victims.
The highest concentration of homicides occurred during the second half of the year, with spikes in July and October, featuring clusters of cases occurring just days apart. In total, eight victims hadn’t reached their 20th birthdays, and police have yet to identify suspects in four killings. Additionally, 10 people were shot and killed by law enforcement in Maine, according to a database by The Washington Post.
Portland and Bangor saw the most homicides, with five each—an unusually high number for these cities, according to Maine State Police Lt. Col. Brian Scott. Bangor Police Sgt. Jason McAmbley noted this year’s record-breaking total is the highest he’s seen in his 24 years with the department, particularly concerning after no homicides in 2021 or 2022.
Chiefs from Portland and Westbrook police departments emphasized the strain this places on resources, with investigations stretching overtime for officers, detectives, and evidence technicians. Chief Mark Dubois from Portland noted the department’s commitment to prioritizing critical cases despite the increase. In Westbrook, Chief Sean Lally cited an uptick in mental health emergencies and offenders with long criminal histories, attributing some of the root causes to an overburdened criminal justice system.
The rise in homicides paints a stark picture of the ongoing challenges Maine faces, as police departments and local authorities continue to work to address this disturbing trend.
