Steven Downs, 44, of Auburn, right, stands for his initial appearance in 8th District Court in Lewiston, Feb. 19, 2019. Downs has been charged with the 1993 rape and murder of 20-year-old Sophie Sergie at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Standing with Downs is attorney Richard Charest. Credit: Andree Kehn | Sun Journal via AP

An Auburn man who is fighting extradition to Alaska for a murder charge is due back in court for his case.

Steven Downs has been charged by Alaska authorities with the 1993 sexual assault and murder of 20-year-old Sophie Sergie at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He’s due in Androscoggin County Superior Court in Auburn on Wednesday morning.

[Maine man ‘categorically’ denies involvement in 1993 Alaska homicide]

Downs was a Fairbanks student at the time of Sergie’s death. She was a former student. He was linked to the crime by DNA and has been charged with being a fugitive from justice.

Downs’ defense lawyer has said Downs completely denies any involvement with the crime. Downs is contesting his extradition back to Alaska.

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