Murder trial begins for man accused in Norridgewock shooting death

SKOWHEGAN, Maine (WABI) - The murder trial of 60-year-old Daniel Markey began Monday in Skowhegan, where prosecutors and defense attorneys clashed over whether a fatal shooting last year was an act of murder or self-defense.

Markey is accused of murder in the March 2025 shooting death of 39-year-old Christopher Nickerson in Norridgewock. The shooting occurred at the home Markey shared with Nickerson’s mother.

Before opening statements, the presiding judge denied a motion by Markey to fire his defense attorneys.

Once the trial got underway, prosecutors argued that Nickerson was shot while attempting to surrender.

“He sustained a gunshot wound that was rapidly fatal to his chest,” Mark Rucci, Assistant Attorney General, stated. “Another one to his stomach, and two backside with entrance wounds here and here to his arms. That is consistent with Nickerson having his arms up at the time he was shot.”

Defense attorneys countered that Markey acted in self-defense during a physical altercation that left him injured and disoriented.

“Daniel’s decision must be judged from his perspective in that moment after a fight that left him with substantial injuries, unable to hear what was around him, unable to find his keys, and attempting to leave his home,” Defense Attorney Justine Barry said.

Several key witnesses testified on the opening day of the trial, including Nickerson’s mother, who spoke about the rising tensions between the two men leading up to the shooting. A 911 dispatcher and first responders who arrived at the scene also took the stand.

The trial is expected to continue through Friday.