On a remote island in Maine, a group of friends thought they witnessed one man killing another with an ax. But no one was ever arrested. In a small town far out at sea, justice sometimes works a little differently.
On a quiet June evening in 2020, the island of Vinalhaven, Maine, was shaken by a violent confrontation that left 28-year-old lobsterman Roger Feltis dead. Feltis, who had recently moved to the island, had been experiencing escalating tensions with local couple Dorian and Briannah Ames. He believed they had been harassing him, including an incident where he suspected they cut his brake lines. Determined to confront them, Feltis went to their home, leading to a deadly altercation.Witnesses reported that during the confrontation, an ax and a knife were involved, resulting in fatal injuries to Feltis.Despite multiple witnesses to the event, no arrests were made, and the case was ruled as self-defense by a grand jury.
The incident has left the tight-knit community of Vinalhaven grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of unease.Many residents feel that justice was not served, pointing to the lack of a thorough investigation and the swift conclusion of self-defense. The case has highlighted the challenges of law enforcement in remote communities, where resources are limited, and personal relationships can complicate legal proceedings.
Feltis’s family continues to seek justice, calling for a renewed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.They argue that the initial inquiry was insufficient and that critical evidence and testimonies were overlooked. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the adequacy of the justice system in isolated areas and the need for accountability, regardless of location.
