BELFAST — A Lincolnville man accused of the murder of his former friend pleaded not guilty in Waldo Count Unified Court April 3.

Matthew Pendleton, 48, was arraigned around 12:15 p.m., entering the courtroom after changing into clothing provided by his family. When he emerged, his appearance was notably different than his widely circulated mugshot. Gone is the unkempt hair and scruffy beard; Pendleton appeared clean-shaven, and with what looked like a recent haircut.

Justice Robert Murray presiding over the case against Pendleton. When Murphy asked how Pendleton pled, he quietly responded “not guilty.”

They were the only words spoken by Pendleton during the arraignment, other than a quiet whisper to his counsel.

Pendleton stands accused of causing the Jan. 5, death of Kevin Curit, 47. A Waldo County grand jury chose to indict Pendleton March 22, for the alleged intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder as a result of the Curit’s death. 

Pendleton has maintained his innocence since the tragedy occurred. 

The families of both Pendleton and his alleged victim were present in the courtroom, sitting on opposite sides of the court. 

Both sides were warned by a court bailiff that any outbursts would not be tolerated, specifically mentioning the commotion at Pendleton’s initial appearance, which saw at least one family removed from the courtroom. 

Pendleton will remain in custody without bail until a Harnish bail proceeding to determine if he is eligible for bail, and if so, what the conditions would be. A date for that proceeding has not yet been set. 

According to Maine Legislation, "Harnish bail proceeding" means a pre-conviction bail proceeding in which the State is offered the opportunity to obtain a judicial finding of probable cause that the defendant has committed a formerly capital offense, and the defendant, at the same proceeding, is afforded the opportunity to know and rebut the case against the defendant.”  

Attorney Chris MacLean has been assigned to defend Pendleton.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com