Maine Police Make Breakthrough In Nearly Decade-old Murder Case

Portland Police have arrested a murder suspect, 9 years after the victim was killed.

Portland, Maine Police Arrest a Suspect in a 2017 Cold Case

Stephen Versluis, Jr., 42, was arrested on Wednesday for murder and transported to the Cumberland County Jail.

Officials say he was living in the Portland/Biddeford area at the time of the crime.

The charge stems from the death of Sunao 'Tom' Yamada, who was found deceased in the area of Temple and Federal Streets in Portland during the early morning hours of September 10, 2017.

An examination by the State Medical Examiner's Office determined that Yamada died as a result of homicide.

Portland, Maine Police Never Gave Up on the 2017 Cold Case Murder

Over the past nine years, the Portland Police Department has continued its investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr. Yamada's death.

No information has been released about what led detectives to Versluis.

Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois said, in a Facebook post:

While the arrest cannot undo the loss, it brings us closer to the accountability and justice that Tom and his family deserve.

Chief Dubois says he appreciates the hard work and diligence displayed by everyone involved in this case, over the past nine years.

2017 Murder Victim Was Well-Known to the Portland, Maine Community

Officials say Tom Yamada sometimes faced housing challenges, but was well-known by community members and local businesses, who often looked out for him.

This remains an active investigation and authorities hope to hear from anyone with information about the case.

People can contact Detective Dan Townsend at 207-874-8606, or text the keyword PPDME and their message to 847411.

Information can also be left on the department's Crime Tip line at 207-874-8584.

We'll update this story as more details become available.