MSP Makes Arrest in Bridgton Homicide

On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Maine State Police and Bridgton Police Department investigated a suspicious death at a residence at 237 Pond Road in Bridgton. On Sunday, November 26, 2023, an autopsy was conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Augusta. The deceased was identified as 51-year-old Benita Preo of Bridgton. The OCME ruled the manner of death as homicide. State Police Detectives investigated over the next three months and the case was presented to a Cumberland County Grand Jury. On Friday, March 8, 2024, the Grand Jury returned an indictment charging 48-year-old Eric Knight of Bridgton with depraved indifference murder. Preo and Knight were in a relationship and lived together at the Pond Road residence. On Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, the Maine State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team arrested Knight at his Pond Road residence in Bridgton without incident. Knight was transported to the Cumberland County Jail and is being held on $500,000.00 cash bail. Knight will be arraigned in Cumberland County Superior Court on Monday, March 11, 2024. 

*The cause of death is not being released at this time.