Potential jurors queried in Haraden murder trial

PORTLAND – Potential jurors in the trial of a Rockport man accused of beating his girlfriend to death in a Portland hotel room were questioned Monday by lawyers in a judge’s chambers.

By late Monday afternoon, a jury had not been seated, but court officials hoped that one could be seated and opening arguments could begin today.

While potential jurors often are questioned in open court, a judge has the discretion to keep the exchanges private.

David Haraden, 48, is accused in the murder of his live-in girlfriend, Maxine Witham, 35, a day or two after Jan. 1 in Portland’s Eastland Park Hotel.

The couple were staying in the hotel on their way back to Rockport after Haraden attended a court hearing in Massachusetts on a probation violation.

Police say Haraden reported Witham’s death by calling a doctor in Lincolnville on Jan. 4 from the hotel room.

Haraden apparently remained in the room with Witham for a day or two after she died. The physician contacted police, who responded to the hotel.

In interviews with police, Haraden said a young man with whom Witham was having an affair was responsible for her death.

Police said Haraden, who was crying when confronted in the room, varied the story about the college-age man that he claimed had beaten Witham.

In 2004, Haraden had been arrested in Rockport on a domestic assault charge when police suspected he had beaten Witham.

Haraden holds a black belt in the martial art of tae kwon do.

He also has a record of violating restraining orders sought to protect Witham, and of assaulting a police officer in Massachusetts.

Haraden has been held in the Cumberland County Correctional Facility since he was arrested.

At the time of the arrest, Portland police said Witham may have died a slow, painful death from a beating to her body and head.

Justice Robert Crowley is presiding in the Cumberland County Superior Court trial.