Baby Died and 24-Year-Old Man Charged with Murder in Maine

A 12-week-old baby died and a 24-year-old man was charged with Murder in Orrington.

Baby Died after Being Taken to the Hospital

The baby, Lyla Samuels, was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Friday after a call for an unresponsive baby.

Man Arrested and Charged after Baby was Unresponsive

Shawn Samuels was taken into custody Saturday and charged with Domestic Violence Elevated Aggravated Assault and two counts of Violation of Bail.

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Infant Died from Injuries at Hospital

“On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Detectives learned that the 12-week-old infant had died,” according to Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety.

Autopsy Determined Death was a Homicide

An autopsy was done by the State Medical Examiner's Office and confirmed her death was a homicide. The cause of death is under investigation.

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Charged with Murder in Jail

Samuels was charged with Murder at the Penobscot County Jail where he was being held.

Ongoing Homicide Investigation

The investigation is ongoing by the Major Crimes Unit- North Detectives and other law enforcement.

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Contact Police with Any Information

If you have any information about the incident, call (207) 973-3700 EXT. 9 and speak with Det. Dana Austin.