Major Crimes Unit South Detectives have  arrested a Brunswick man in connection with the September 1, 2026 homicide of his neighbor:  James Smith, 48, of Brunswick according to a press release received this afternoon from Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

On September 1,2026, at approximately 12:48 am, Brunswick Police resonded to a 911 call at 5 Valerie Avenue for a report of gunshos.  Smith was dicovered deceased on the property.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Agusta determined Smith’s cause of death was homicide.  Keith Brunelle, 58, who resides at 5 Valerie Avenue was aken into custody following the incident.  A that time, Brunelle was arrested on a bail violation and transported to the Cumberland County Jail.  He was subsequently relesed after posting bail.   Detectives continued their investigation into Smith’s death.  As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Brunellle.  On Friday, September 11, 2026 at approximaely 10:24 am., Brunelle was arrested without incident at a residence in Augusta and charged with Murder and Criminal Use of Explosives.  He was transportedt to the Cumberland County Jail, where he is being held without bail.