Penobscot County Court Sentenced Two in Murder Case
A Bangor court issued prison terms for two men following the 2024 killing of Dylan Caruso over a drug debt.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Penobscot County Superior Court has handed down sentences to Dylan Boyce and Dylan Belanger for their roles in the 2024 death of 27-year-old Dylan Caruso. The victim was killed in Bangor after allegedly failing to pay a $600 drug debt.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a significant portion of the legal proceedings related to a violent crime that originated in Bangor and ended in a neighboring town. This case underscores the local judicial response to crimes linked to illicit drug-related disputes.
Dylan Boyce received 26 years for murder plus two 5-year terms for witness tampering, while Dylan Belanger was sentenced to 5 years with all but 195 days suspended. These rulings follow the earlier 35-year sentencing of Kenneth Creamer.
The players
Dylan Boyce
He is a defendant who pleaded guilty to murder and witness tampering charges for his role in the killing.
Dylan Belanger
He is a defendant who received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to hindering apprehension or prosecution.
Dylan Caruso
He was the 27-year-old victim whose death resulted in multiple criminal charges and prison sentences.
Kenneth Creamer
He is a convicted murderer who received a 35-year prison sentence for his involvement in the crime.
Penobscot County Superior Court
It is the judicial body responsible for overseeing the criminal trials and sentencing for the individuals involved.
The details
Kenneth Creamer shot Dylan Caruso at Coe Park, after which the victim was transported to woods in Exeter where Boyce stabbed him. Four individuals in total have pleaded guilty to charges connected to the homicide.
Timeline
September 30, 2024: Dylan Caruso was killed in Bangor.
October 23, 2024: Dylan Caruso's body was discovered in Exeter.
August 18, 2026: Dylan Belanger pleaded guilty to his charge.
September 15, 2026: Holden Melvin pleaded guilty to his charge.
September 22, 2026: Dylan Boyce pleaded guilty to murder and tampering.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the legal framework applied to the 2024 Bangor murder case of Dylan Caruso. The rulings mark the latest judicial phase in the resolution of this specific criminal matter.
The conclusion of these court cases provides clarity for the Bangor community regarding the resolution of a high-profile violent crime. Residents may note the heavy sentencing as local authorities continue to address drug-related violence in the area.
The takeaway
The swift progression of these guilty pleas underscores the judicial system's focus on resolving violent crimes linked to localized debt disputes. Residents should remain aware that drug-related conflicts continue to be a primary driver of lethal violence in the region.
What happens next
Holden Melvin is scheduled to be sentenced at a future date, and Samantha McCullough is expected to enter a new plea.
Further reading
Learn more about local judicial proceedings in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Piscataquis Observer.
