Arrest Made in Tragic Waldoboro Homicide: Damariscotta Man Charged with Murder

In a significant and somber development in the ongoing investigation into the death of a Waldoboro resident, authorities have announced an arrest. Kaden Nickerson, a 20-year-old man from Damariscotta, has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the tragic homicide of 53-year-old William Barter.

Barter was discovered deceased at his residence on Friendship Road in Waldoboro on Wednesday, August 14, 2025.

What initially appeared to be a medical emergency quickly escalated into a full-scale homicide investigation when responding officers from the Waldoboro Police Department and medical personnel observed suspicious circumstances surrounding Barter's death, prompting them to alert state authorities.

The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, in close collaboration with the Waldoboro Police Department, swiftly launched a comprehensive and meticulous investigation.

Detectives spent days processing the scene, gathering crucial forensic evidence, and conducting numerous interviews with individuals who might have had knowledge pertinent to the case. Their diligent efforts and dedication ultimately led them to identify Nickerson as a primary suspect in the case.

On Friday, August 16, 2025, investigators successfully located and arrested Nickerson without incident.

He was subsequently transported to the Knox County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail, pending his formal arraignment. Nickerson is expected to make his initial appearance in Knox County Superior Court early next week, where he will officially face the murder charge. The legal proceedings are anticipated to shed more light on the circumstances leading to Barter's death.

While the investigation remains active and ongoing, authorities have provided limited details regarding the specific nature of Barter's injuries or a potential motive, citing the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

The Maine State Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that might be relevant to this deeply unsettling case, encouraging anyone with knowledge to come forward. The community of Waldoboro continues to grapple with the shock and sorrow of this violent incident as they await further developments in the legal proceedings against Nickerson.