Sidewalk Slaying in Bangor: Who Shot Peter Bassett?

Jan 19

Written By Kristen Seavey

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As he turned his back, the cold barrel of a gun pressed into his neck…

And in a split second, two shots rang out, and Peter was dead.

On August 13th, 1988, Peter J. Bassett had been playing pool and drinking beer with a friend at Judy’s Bar and Grill in downtown Bangor, Maine when he stepped outside and was shot down in the middle of the sidewalk.

Minutes before, he was seen inside arguing with his friend, Terry W. Thompson.

Witnesses told police they’d seen an oversized yellow or light-colored rusty older sedan—with lights that were out over the license plate—leaving the scene after shots were fired. Police scanners sent out an APB with the car’s description to try and track down a potential suspect fleeing the scene.

Peter J. Bassett was a graduate of John Bapst High School in Bangor, and proud of his Passamaquoddy heritage, one of Maine’s indigenous tribes. He was also a Vietnam veteran in the United States Marine Corp, and a 15-year veteran of the US Postal Service.

Who would want to murder him? And how has this case remained unsolved for more than three decades? This case isn’t listed on the Maine Cold Case list, yet the family is still waiting for justice. Waiting for the day their loved ones story is finally resolved.

Press play now to hear the story of Peter J. Bassett on Murder, She Told wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

If you’re holding onto any information or think you might know something about the murder of Peter J. Bassett, I urge you to submit a tip to the Maine State cold case unit.

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