Convicted murders Earl “Buddy” Bieler, 25, and Corina Durkee, 43, both of Waldoboro, stood together for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. May 10 in Lincoln County Superior Court in Wiscasset.
Justice Andrew Horton sentenced Bieler to 55 years in prison for the murder of Rachel Grindal, 27, and attempted murder of Tracey Neild, 32, April 19, 2009.
Bieler slit the throats of both victims in front of Neild’s home at 161 Controversy Lane in Waldoboro. Both Bieler and Durkee pleaded guilty last month to charges associated with the attacks.
Durkee received a 15-year sentence for her involvement. Evidence shows that Durkee did not actually stab either of the victims, but her involvement was substantial enough to make her a knowing accomplice, said Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea.
Following the sentencing, Grindal’s mother said she felt Bieler’s sentence was fair.
“This was a savage, brutal killing that has no explanation,” Horton said while explaining his decision in Bieler’s sentencing. The only significant mitigating factor in his decision was the guilty plea, Horton said.
“A guilty plea is the sincerest form of remorse,” Horton said.
