On a summer day in Mexico, Maine, the life of 27-year-old Nicholas Trynor, a Caucasian male, came to a violent end. On August 6, 2022, police responded to a report of a shooting at a home on Intervale Avenue. Inside, they discovered Trynor deceased from what would later be determined were two shotgun wounds to his chest and arms. The cause of his death was identified as massive internal bleeding and lung damage caused by pellets from a 12-gauge shotgun.
The investigation quickly focused
on a single suspect: Nicholas's 52-year-old stepfather, Thomas Tellier. The day after the shooting, Tellier was arrested and charged with murder. The events leading to the fatal encounter began with a family dispute. Tellier told investigators that an argument erupted earlier that day after his 5-year-old autistic son hit Trynor, who then slapped the child. Tellier claimed that Trynor, who had a history of mental health issues including depression and anger problems, flew into a rage.
Tellier stated that he was tired of being harassed and feared for his family's safety, which prompted him to retrieve his shotgun with the intention of forcing Trynor to leave the residence. According to court documents, after Tellier fired the first shot, Trynor pleaded with him to stop, but Tellier fired a second time. Trynor's mother, who was married to Tellier, acknowledged her son's behavioral issues and that he would make threats, but did not believe he was capable of seriously harming his stepfather.
Thomas Tellier was indicted on a charge of intentional or knowing murder. Despite his claim of self-defense, a jury found him guilty following a week-long trial. For the murder of his stepson, Thomas Tellier was sentenced to 38 years in prison.
