Police arrest juvenile in Fayette girl’s slaying

FAYETTE – Homicide investigators arrested a suspect Tuesday in the weekend slaying of a 14-year-old girl near her home in this central Maine town.

Because the suspect is a juvenile, investigators are barred by law from releasing his identity at this time, Lt. Gary Wright said.

Wright said he expects the juvenile to appear in court Wednesday and further information will be released at that time.

The killing of Marlee Johnston, an eighth-grader at Winthrop Middle School, left residents of the quiet community in shock.

After she failed to return home Saturday from taking the family’s two dogs for a walk, a family member found her body in shallow water at the edge of Lovejoy Pond.

As the investigation proceeded, police released few details about the case.

Although the death was quickly ruled a homicide, officials have yet to say how Johnston was killed.

Prior to the arrest, authorities advised residents of the area to take precautions such as locking their doors and having a companion when walking in isolated areas.

Police patrols in the town were increased.

A memorial service for Johnston has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Kents Hill School.