ROCKLAND — Frederick N. Marshall, 31, of Rockport was ordered held without bail Thursday for the Christmas Eve slaying of Jeffrey Tilley.

Judge Michael Westcott denied Marshall’s petition for bail pending his trial during a probable cause hearing in 6th District Court on Thursday. Assistant Attorney General Pamela Ames argued that Marshall’s release would pose a threat to the community.

Ames told the court that the severity of the crime, as well as Marshall’s lengthy criminal record dating back 13 years, needed to be weighed when considering the issue of granting bail. Marshall was remanded to the Knox County Jail where he will be held pending his trial.

Tilley, 31, of Rockport was killed by a single shot to the head from a .357-caliber Magnum revolver. The shooting took place at the Rockport trailer home of Marshall’s mother, Alice Marshall. According to an affidavit filed in the case, the shooting was witnessed by Brian Smith, a friend to both Tilley and Marshall.

Smith told police that he accompanied Tilley to the Camden Street trailer on Dec. 24. He said that as they were about to leave, Tilley and Marshall exchanged words over Marshall’s girlfriend. According to state police Detective Jackie M. Theriault, Smith told her that Marshall shot Tilley moments after Tilley informed him he was going to visit Marshall’s girlfriend. The shooting took place at 5:16 p.m.

The affidavit further stated that Camden Police Officer Glen Wakefield said that on the night of the shooting Marshall initially denied pulling the trigger, but that moments later said, “I did it. I shot him. It was an accident.”

Judge Westcott appointed Rockland attorney Lawrence Frier as Marshall’s counsel.