Maine Supreme Judicial Court upholds murder conviction in 2005 domestic violence homicide

November 6, 2014

(AUGUSTA) Attorney General Janet Mills is pleased the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the conviction of Danny Roberts who was found guilty for the murder of his child?s mother, Melissa Mendoza. On August 15, 2005 Roberts lured Mendoza to his home and then shot her in the head as she stepped into his garage. The two were in a custody battle over their then two-year old daughter. Roberts was originally convicted by an Androscoggin County Jury in February, 2007 and was sentenced to serve 55 years in prison for the crime.

The Opinion of the Court released today denied an effort by Roberts to seek a new trial. Roberts had alleged that various parties, including court personnel, prosecutors and his defense counsel committed misconduct during different stages of his legal proceedings. The Court concluded that his arguments did not raise a likelihood that the outcome would have changed the verdict and that they did not merit a new trial.

?This case is the very definition of a cold-blooded killing, yet another tragic act of domestic violence,? said Attorney General Mills. ?We are very pleased that the Court has rejected this bid for a new trial and that Mr. Roberts will continue to serve out his lengthy sentence. My heart goes out Melissa?s family and I am glad they will not have to endure the emotional burden of a second trial.?

The case was argued at trial by then Deputy Attorney General Fern Larochelle and then Assistant Attorney General William Stokes. Assistant Attorney General Donald Macomber defended the State?s position against a new trial.

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Supporting documents

Roberts Opinion