UPDATE: A 69-year-old man from Northfield, Thomas Bonfanti, is contesting his life sentence for a triple murder, claiming his attorney failed to provide effective representation. This urgent development comes during a post-conviction review hearing held Monday morning at the Penobscot County Judicial Center in Bangor.
Bonfanti was convicted on February 3, 2020, for the deaths of Jennifer Bryant Flynn, Samuel Powers, and Shawn Currey. He also faced charges of aggravated attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault. In a shocking turn, Bonfanti asserts that his previous lawyer, Jeff Toothaker, was ill-prepared and did not adequately represent his interests during the trial.
During the hearing, Bonfanti alleged that while he was involved in key decisions, Toothaker did not have full knowledge of the case until Bonfanti took the stand. “We never went over the case,” Bonfanti claimed, emphasizing that Toothaker did not want to know what had happened. Toothaker, who had only 47 days to prepare, testified that he cleared his schedule to focus solely on Bonfanti’s defense.
Bonfanti’s new attorney, James Howaniec, highlighted the absence of crucial forensic evidence and witnesses that could have impacted the outcome of the trial. As Howaniec presented evidence from forensic expert Marc Dupre, Bonfanti visibly expressed frustration, rolling his eyes at the implication of Toothaker’s lack of concern for the facts.
Bonfanti’s defense revolved around his assertion of self-defense, claiming that the shootings were accidental. He testified that he shot Powers by accident when his gun discharged and later shot Flynn after a confrontation involving her dog. “It was a pretty bad day for all of them,” Bonfanti stated, trying to rationalize the tragic events.
The implications of this hearing are significant. If the court finds that Bonfanti did not receive effective counsel, it could lead to a retrial or a reduction of his sentence. The case is under intense scrutiny, as it raises questions about legal representation and the justice system’s integrity.
As this story develops, it underscores the critical importance of effective legal counsel in high-stakes criminal cases. The hearing’s outcome could have a profound impact not only on Bonfanti’s future but also on the perceptions of justice in the community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing legal battle as new information emerges.
