Acadia Park Death Ruled Homicide; Nationwide Search Continues As Community Mourns Victim

There is an active arrest warrant out for a man from Portland authorities believe is connected with a recent hit-and-run death at Acadia National Park.

Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss says investigators have determined that 35-year-old Nicole Mokeme of South Portland was struck and killed on the campus of the Schoodic Education and Research Center in Winter Harbor at some point during the late-night/early morning hours of Saturday, June 18 into Sunday, June 19.

Moss says State Police are looking for a man who they allege is connected to the incident, to charge him with murder.

"The death of Ms. Mokeme has been ruled a homicide and the Maine State Police, with assistance from law enforcement partners, continue to search nationwide for 35-year-old Raymond Lester out of Portland Maine, and his vehicle, a 2016 Black BMW X3 SUV bearing Maine Registration 5614WM. The vehicle may have front-end or undercarriage damage. "

Moss says anyone with knowledge of Lester's whereabouts, or the location of the vehicle is advised to contact the Maine State Police at 207-973-3700.

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According to the Portland Press Herald, Lester and Mokeme had been in a relationship previously, and Lester had a history of domestic violence.

Meanwhile, local domestic abuse resource agencies and organizations are mourning the loss of Nicole Mokeme. Locally, Partners for Peace, a private, nonprofit organization working to end domestic abuse in Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties in Maine shared on social media this week a post put out by Safe Voices, a domestic violence resource center serving Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties.

"Many have reflected on the loss of Nicole Mokeme over the last few days, and the impact her loss has had, and will continue to have, on her loved ones and her community of Portland and far beyond. Safe Voices and Through These Doors hold and honor that loss and the strength and love Nicole brought to her life in Maine... While we refrain from speculating as the police continue their work, we can acknowledge this loss. While we know it is not enough, we want to honor the positive impact Nicole had on our community and acknowledge the particular loss that our Black and BIPOC neighbors are feeling at losing such an incredible friend, neighbor, and leader."

If you or someone you know is having an issue with domestic violence Partners For Peace has a free and confidential 24-hour helpline: 1-800-863-9909.