Portland Police Department investigators have solved the 1994 arson murder of 73-year-old Maude Holden, they announced on Thursday, following a three-decade-long investigation.
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“For over thirty years, the family of Maude Holden has lived without answers. Today, while we cannot erase their loss, we can finally provide them with the truth about what happened. This case reflects the persistence and dedication of our investigators, who never gave up on finding justice for Ms. Holden,” said Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois.
On October 27, 1994, Holden died due to complications from a residential fire at her apartment building located at 527-529 Washington Avenue.
After her death, the fire was ruled arson, sparking a 30-year investigation and search for Holden’s killer.
Portland police have identified Vicki E. McMahan of Portland as the alleged killer, based on what they described as a “conclusive” review of evidence and investigative findings.
McMahan was just 27 at the time of the crime and died at the age of 57 in 2023. In response to the findings, the Maine Attorney General’s Office officially closed the case.
The police did not provide any details on how the case was finally solved or what McMahan’s motive was.
“While Ms. McMahan will not face a trial as she is deceased, this resolution allows the Holden family and the community to close a painful chapter and remember Maude with dignity and justice served,” said the department.
This is the fifth cold-case murder solved in the past five years since the department assigned full-time detectives to unsolved cases in 2020.
