BRIDGTON — A Paris teen charged with manslaughter was denied release from custody Monday in Bridgton District Court.
Morgan Kesseli, 18, has been in custody at Long Creek Youth Development Center since September, when she was charged with violating her bail. At the hearing Monday, Kesseli’s family sought to let her live at home and attend an intensive outpatient program for mental and drug problems.
Her mother, Lisa Palmer, told the court it has been difficult to get Kesseli the help she needs at Long Creek. Kesseli also spent time at another facility, but they couldn’t address some of her issues, her mother told the court.
Palmer said she had one more program for which she was applying. If Kesseli doesn’t get in, she won’t get help until the trial, her mother said.
A family member of one of the crash victims said that while he understood Kesseli needed help, he didn’t like the idea of her among the general public.
Judge Keith Powers agreed, saying the court had already given her several opportunities. “She’s stumbled every time we’ve done that.”
Kesseli faces charges of manslaughter, elevated aggravated assault, aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated driving to endanger. Thomas McLendon, 19, of Oxford was riding with her and was fatally injured in the crash.
The manslaughter and assault charges are Class A offenses. The accident took place on Oct. 21, 2010, when Kesseli was 17.
According to the accident report, at 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 21, Kesseli was driving north on Waterford Road in Harrison when she lost control of a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by Lisa Palmer. She crossed the southbound lane and struck trees.
McLendon was fatally injured. Passengers Jacob Hill, who was 20 at the time, and Timothy Coffin, who was 21, were also hurt.
Members of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Windham Police Department investigated and concluded excessive speed was the primary factor in the accident.
Kesseli is set to appear in court again on Jan 23 at 9 a.m.
treaves@sunjournal.com
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