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February 9

Jury deliberations expected today

In testimony Wednesday, Patrick Dapolito says his wife's teen daughter had some of her facts wrong.

By Ann S. Kim akim@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

ALFRED – The jury in Patrick Dapolito's murder trial is expected to begin deliberating today whether his wife died at his hands or someone else shot her.

click image to enlarge

Patrick Dapolito, right, with his attorney David Van Dyke.

Staff file photo/Shawn Patrick Ouellette

For 12 days, jurors in York County Superior Court have been presented with contrasting depictions of Dapolito's relationship with Kelly Winslow and various theories about how she died at their home in Limington on March 16, 2010.

They have heard testimony about alleged abuse, the couple's drug use and sexual habits, their involvement in marijuana trafficking and how Dapolito changed his story about what happened on the day Winslow died.

Dapolito maintains that Winslow, 30, was a casualty of a dispute he had with drug associates – not the victim of his accidental gunshot, as he initially told authorities.

Dapolito testified that the conflict began after he and another marijuana distributor cut out one of their partners, leading to a fearful period in the summer of 2009 and, ultimately, to Winslow's death.

Prosecutors characterize Winslow's death as domestic-violence homicide.

The prosecution and defense are expected to deliver their closing arguments this morning. If convicted of murder, Dapolito, 41, will face 25 years to life in prison.

On Wednesday, jurors heard about several matters with sharply contrasting interpretations. One question was whether Winslow had wanted to leave Dapolito.

Dapolito said Winslow's teenage daughter misinterpreted a conversation that took place while the couple was terrified about the drug dispute. He said Winslow merely suggested that they might be safer if they split for a short time – an option they did not pursue.

Dapolito also said that Winslow's daughter was confused about a list. The girl said Dapolito had been accusing Winslow of infidelity and demanded that she create a list of her sexual partners.

Dapolito said he and Winslow were speaking in code – as they always did when talking about drug trafficking around the children – when he said he should write to her "boyfriends."

He said the girl was in the back seat, with the music playing, during a car trip.

Staff Writer Ann S. Kim can be contacted at 791-6383 or at:

akim@pressherald.com

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