Forest Avenue Shooting Portland Maine (July 2024): Felony Charges Dropped to Misdemeanor Assault

In July 2024, a shooting on Forest Avenue in Portland led to a large police response and widespread media coverage. Our client was charged in a shooting in which several people were shot and one woman was killed. Prosecutors claimed it stemmed from a dispute between two motorcycle clubs on the back patio of a bar in Westbrook and escalated into a fight in a parking lot at Morrill's Corner, which involved 2-pound mini-sledgehammers, a police-style baton and switchblade and, of course, firearms.

Portland police Detective Jeffrey Tully said he saw surveillance camera footage in which Aaron Karp fired nine rounds toward the deceased, Susan McHugh, after she fired her husband's gun at a group of people associated with, allegedly, the Outlaws motorcycle club. Prosecutors claims the group were attacking the McHugh's family (including her husband and son), along with William Holmes, who they claimed were members of FSU, another motorcycle club.

Our client, Kaleb Cidre, was accused of being a co-conspirator with Karp and others by bringing a dangerous weapon to the parking lot and causing serious bodily injury to McHugh's husband, Troy, and their friend, William Holmes. Both men were brought to the hospital with skull fractures.

Our client was charged in connection with the same event. The State initially pursued multiple felony charges, exposing him to significant prison time and a permanent felony record.

We intervened early. We challenged the narrative. And we changed the outcome.

This week, we were able to resolve this fully for our client.

• All felony charges dismissed
• Resolution to a misdemeanor assault
• $300 fine
• No restitution
• No jail time (28 days credit for time served)

As the Portland Press Herald reported:

Cidre denies allegations that his conduct resulted in injuries to the victims, Troy McHugh and William Holmes, according to his defense attorney, Timothy Zerillo.

“This case represents a horrible tragedy, because someone died,” Zerillo said. “But lumping my client together with all of the actors was unfair.”

High-profile criminal cases in Maine often begin with strong assumptions. But assumptions do not win cases—evidence does.

This case shows:

• Early reporting does not equal proven facts
• Witness statements must be tested, not accepted
• A disciplined defense strategy can change the trajectory of a felony case

If you are facing charges related to a shooting in Portland Maine or anywhere in the State, the approach to the evidence will determine the outcome.

Zerillo Law Firm defends clients charged with:

• Felony assault and aggravated assault
• Firearm-related offenses
• High-exposure criminal cases in Portland Maine and statewide

Early intervention matters. The sooner the defense begins, the more leverage exists to challenge the State’s case.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Maine, contact our office immediately.