Short Sands Beach Murder

At approximately 3:54 pm on Friday, March 26th, the York Police Department received multiple 911 calls for what was reported as a male assaulting a female behind a large rock on the beach.  Upon their arrival, the York Police patrolmen identified the male party in the assault.  York Police detained the male suspect and brought him to the Police Department.  The female party was located deceased behind a rock.  The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – South was called to assist York Police with the investigation.  

The female victim was identified as 35-year-old Rhonda Pattelena of Bedford, Massachusetts.  The male suspect was identified as 33-year-old Jeffrey Buchannan also of Bedford, Massachusetts. The two were domestic partners and had one mutual child.  

At 9:00 pm Maine State Police Detectives charged Jeffrey Buchannan with murder and he was taken to the York County Jail.  Authorities are confident that there is no on-going risk to public safety.  

The York Police Department and Eliot Police Department assisted in the investigation.  An investigative team of Maine State Police detectives and crime scene technicians from the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team remain at the scene at this hour and are expected to continue the investigation throughout the weekend.