A murder in Hancock County remains unsolved two years later

Two years after a Lamoine man's body was found in his home, no suspect has been identified or charged in his killing.

Neil Salisbury, 71, was a long-time Lamoine resident who lived alone on Shore Road. His death was discovered on October 3, 2022, when a friend stopped by his home, police said.

Maine State Police later classified his death as a homicide but have not identified a suspect or filed charges in connection with his death since then. They have not released details about how Salisbury died or why they believe someone else is responsible.

“It is still an active, ongoing investigation,” said Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the state agency. “Detectives continue to pursue all leads and encourage anyone with information to contact Major Crimes North at 207-973-3700.”

Stu Marckoon, a longtime Lamoine city official, said the fact that Salisbury's death remained unsolved has not caused ongoing concern to residents.

Maine's annual murder rate is relatively low compared to other states – typically less than three per 100,000 residents – and the last time a murder occurred in Lamoine before Salisbury's death was in 2012. This year, three people were killed in two separate incidents in Lamoine.

“I don’t think there’s any concern from a public safety perspective,” Marckoon said.

The last time anyone asked him about Salisbury was months ago, he said.

Marckoon said Salisbury's son moved out of the area after his father's death and his ex-wife lives in Minnesota. Salisbury's former home has since been sold to a new owner, he added.

Salisbury was known locally for his belief that the government's ability to raise taxes or require people to have a driver's license should be restricted. He posted homemade signs in his yard promoting himself as a candidate for Hancock County sheriff, but his name was never on a ballot or considered a serious contender for the job.