Clinton Man Arrested in 2025 Homicide of Missing Neighbor

The arrest moves a nearly year-long missing-person probe into the criminal justice system.

Overview

Maine State Police arrested 66-year-old James Simonson of Clinton and charged him with murder and with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; he is being held at Kennebec County Jail without bail.
Authorities say the charges tie to a shooting in late June 2025 that left 68-year-old William “Bill” Parent dead from gunshot wounds.
An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta ruled Parent’s death a homicide after he was reported missing in July 2025.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit led the investigation that produced the arrest but officials have not disclosed a motive or details about where Parent’s body was found.
The case has now moved into the criminal process with pretrial steps expected next and with key questions still unanswered about motive, recovery details, and court scheduling.