Maine man apologizes for killing brother, found not criminally responsible due to insanity

POLAND, Maine (WMTW) – A judge accepted a plea agreement after a Poland, Maine man acknowledged he killed his brother on Thanksgiving Day in 2022.

Relatives of Justin Butterfield watch from the courtroom as a judge accepted the agreement where he plead guilty to the murder of Gabe Damour.

In exchange, Butterfield was found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity.

“I’m truly sorry for the impact this had on my family and me,” Butterfield said in court.

Following the murder in 2022, 8 Investigates followed the case extensively.

Butterfield’s longtime partner and co-parent Yaicha Provincher said his mental health issues had become so severe she begged law enforcement and health care workers to commit him involuntarily for psychiatric treatment.

Despite being hospitalized numerous times, Butterfield was released.

Outside the courthouse, Provincher said lessons need to be learned.

“I would say, if an individual is presenting the way that Justin had presented – today or tomorrow, because you know that’s happening. We take a little bit of extra time, and you know, we really think about what we’re doing before we’re releasing these individuals,” Provincher said.

Butterfield will be committed to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Provincher says Butterfield was transferred to Riverview Psychiatric Center this month.

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