Trial and Error
The Outcry for Justice in the Dennis Dechaine Case
The Defendant: 22 years later, middle-aged inmate describes a ‘structured monotony’
Jul 4, 2010
WARREN — Dennis Dechaine, one of the most notorious prisoners in Maine history, has maintained the same theme in the handful of interviews he has done with various newspapers and television stations since his conviction in 1989.
He claims he did not murder 12-year-old Sarah Cherry.
During an hour-long interview at the prison on March 22, Dechaine firmly stood behind that assertion, and he said he wanted the public to hear once again his thoughts about the case because his motion for a new trial is expected to be heard later this year.
It was his first interview with The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram in 18 years.
“I grew up believing that the justice system was sacrosanct,” Dechaine said. “I grew up believing that it wasn’t flawed. Well, I’m here to tell you that it does make mistakes, and not just to Dennis Dechaine.”
By Trevor Maxwell
Staff Writer
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