NY Man Asks for Exception to Mask Rule at Maine Murder Trial

A New York man, accused of killing a Cherryfield woman, is asking for an exception to the mask rule at his upcoming murder trial.

Carine Reeves, 39, is accused of killing 55-year-old Sally Shaw, whose body was found alongside Route 193 in Cherryfield the summer of 2017. Officials say Shaw died of a gunshot wound. Reeves and former Lewiston resident Quaneysha Greeley, who also lived in New York City, were arrested and charged with murder for her death. Officials, at the time, said they believed Shaw was involved in a love triangle with the New York couple and had acted as a driver for Reeves, who was a drug dealer. The two suspects were arrested in Queens, New York.

Attorneys are preparing for Reeves' murder trial, which is set to begin in late September. This will be one of the first trials to take place in the state, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, so regulations have been put in place to adhere to Maine CDC guidelines, including the wearing of facial coverings. But WABI-TV reports that Reeves' attorney says that could prejudice a jury against his client. He claims that history has shown black men in masks are associated with crime, and forcing him to wear one would violate his Constitutional right. In addition, Reeves' lawyer has asked that his client not be referred to by his alleged nickname of 'Terror,' which they say could also be prejudicial.

There's no timeline on when those decisions will be delivered.

Quaneysha Greeley pleaded guilty to hindering the apprehension of Reeves and the murder charge against her was dismissed. She was called to testify against Reeves earlier this year, but pleaded the fifth. When asked if she killed Shaw, Greeley refused to answer on the grounds that she might incriminate herself.