Man Going on Trial for Death of Grandmother, Arson

Jury selection is slated to to get underway Monday in the trial of Derek Poulin, who's charged with murder and arson

An Old Orchard Beach, Maine, man charged with beating and stabbing his grandmother to death before setting fire to the home they shared is going on trial.

Jury selection is slated to to get underway Monday in the trial of Derek Poulin, who's charged with murder and arson.

Authorities say he killed 61-year-old Patricia Noel in October 2012. Noel described in letters and in conversations with relatives that Poulin had "gotten physical" with her.

Defense lawyer Amy Fairfield says Poulin has struggled with mental illness. He was committed a state psychiatric hospital last year for an evaluation before he was found competent to stand trial.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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