Murder trial begins Monday

BANGOR – A New Gloucester man accused of murdering his former girlfriend and the toddler she was baby-sitting in Dexter two years ago will go on trial Monday morning in Penobscot County Superior Court.

Jurors are expected to arrive at the courthouse Monday morning, and attorneys for the state and the defense will begin the selection process.

Depending on how long the selection process takes, the trial will begin either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

Jeffrey Cookson, 38, is accused of the Dec. 3, 1999, shooting deaths of 20-year-old Mindy Gould and 20-month-old Treven Jacob Cunningham. Both victims were shot in the head at close range with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, according to documents.

Cookson has been held in the Penobscot County Jail since his arrest.

Though he lives in New Gloucester, Cookson spent a lot of time at the homes of his mother and brother in Guilford.

Gould, who had had a relationship with Cookson, had obtained a restraining order against him just three days before her death. She told police in Dexter that Cookson had harassed and stalked her after she ended their relationship in mid-November.

Court documents indicate Dexter police had been called to the home where Gould was living several times because of Cookson’s alleged harassment of her.

The trial is expected to be an emotional one. At past hearings, dozens of friends and family members of the two victims have attended.

Assistant Attorney General Lisa Marchese will prosecute the case for the state, while Auburn attorney William D. Maselli will represent Cookson.