BANGOR, Maine — The Garland man accused of slaying his girlfriend and her two children the weekend before Christmas was indicted Wednesday by the Penobscot County grand jury on three counts of intentional or knowing murder.
Keith Coleman, 27, was arrested Dec. 21 in Bucksport and charged in connection with the deaths of Christina Sargent, 36, her son, Duwayne Coke, 10, and her daughter, Destiny Sargent, 8.
Their bodies were found about 9 p.m. Dec. 20 by concerned family members in the trailer at 12 Paul Road in Garland where Coleman lived with Sargent and her children. All three victims were strangled, according to a previously published report.
Coleman is being held without bail at the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor.
His arraignment date has not been set.
Defense attorney Martha Harris of Bangor said after Coleman’s first court appearance Dec. 22 that she would ask that her client undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if he suffers from some form of mental illness. That evaluation is not expected to take place before Coleman’s arraignment.
Coleman confessed to police that he killed his girlfriend in front of the children and then killed them because they witnessed the crime, according to the probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Greg Mitchell of the Maine State Police’s major crimes unit north.
If convicted, Coleman faces between 25 years and life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that a defendant convicted on multiple counts of murder may be sentenced to life in prison.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
Watch bangordailynews.com for updates.