A 37-year-old man from Portland, Maine, was sentenced to 48 years in prison on Thursday for the murder of his girlfriend, Nicole Mokeme, at Acadia National Park. Raymond Lester, convicted in November, committed the hit-and-run crash at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, leaving Mokeme dead.
After the event, Lester ran away to Mexico and was apprehended at a Cancun Red Cross location.
Lester's Trial Unveils Accusations
PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: A portrait of King Juan Carlos of Spain hangs on the wall at the Palma de Mallorca courtroom, where The Duke of Palma, Inaki Urdangarin, will be questioned by a judge during the 'Palma Arena Trial', on February 24, 2012 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The son-in-law of King Juan Carlos of Spain, Inaki Urdangarin, Duke of Palma will testify in court over allegations that he misused millions of euros of public funds, allocated to organise sports and tourism events, during his time a chairman of a non-profit foundation from 2004 to 2006. Public prosecutors suspect the non-profit foundation named 'Instituo Noos', headed by the Princess Cristina's husband, Inaki Urdangarin of siphoning away funds from public contracts awarded to companies run by Urdangarin and his business partners.
Lester's counsel emphasized apparent flaws in the investigation throughout the trial, and he did not call any witnesses or provide a particular defense against the state's accusations. Lester had a history of spousal abuse, and the prosecution said that he was a planned murderer who preyed on Mokeme's kindness. The victim's family conveyed their dissatisfaction with the punishment, underscoring the need of increasing public awareness of domestic abuse.
Raymond Lester, convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Nicole Mokeme, at Acadia National Park, received a 48-year prison sentence. Lester's hit-and-run, resulting in Mokeme's death, occurred during a retreat at the Schoodic Institute. Lester fled to Mexico immediately after the incident, where he was later arrested.
The victim's family, friends, and community members filled the courtroom, providing impact statements and placing pictures of Mokeme at a podium. Mokeme's family expressed disappointment in the sentence but hoped it would raise awareness about domestic violence. Lester's attorneys cited his difficult childhood and struggles with mental health and substance use disorder, indicating plans to appeal.
Raymond Lester, convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Nicole Mokeme, in a hit-and-run at Acadia National Park, received a 48-year prison sentence. During the sentencing, Mokeme's family emphasized Lester's betrayal of trust and the loss of a daughter, sister, mother, and friend.
Lester's criminal history, including previous incidents of domestic violence, was discussed during the trial. The victim's family expressed disappointment in the sentence's length but hoped it would highlight the importance of recognizing and preventing domestic violence. Lester's attorneys cited his troubled background and indicated plans to appeal the verdict, according to Portland Press Herald.
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Raymond Lester Receives 48-Year Sentence
Raymond Lester, convicted in November for the hit-and-run murder of his girlfriend, Nicole Mokeme, in Acadia National Park, was sentenced to 48 years in prison. Lester fled to Mexico after the incident, where he was later arrested. The victim's family, friends, and community members provided impact statements during the sentencing, expressing betrayal and loss.
Lester's attorneys highlighted his difficult childhood, struggles with mental health, and substance use disorder. The family hopes the case will raise awareness about domestic violence. Prosecutors argued that Lester, with a history of violence, took advantage of Mokeme's trust and goodwill.
Raymond Lester, convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Nicole Mokeme, in a hit-and-run at Acadia National Park, received a 48-year prison sentence. Lester, who fled to Mexico after the incident, was arrested a month later. Mokeme's family expressed disappointment in the sentence's length but hoped it would bring attention to domestic violence issues.
Lester did not call any witnesses for the trial, and his lawyers stated what they believed to be flaws in the investigation. Lester had a history of domestic abuse, and the prosecution said that he was a planned murderer who took advantage of Mokeme's confidence. Lester's legal team intends to challenge the decision, News Center Main reported.
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