ROCKLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The man accused of last week's murder in Cushing told police the killing was the result of an argument over money he owed the victim for drugs.
Andrew Kierstead made his first court appearance in Rockland since last Thursday's murder of Richard Mills. According to police reports filed with the court, Kierstead told investigators he shot Mills after an argument over $250 he owed Mills for drugs.
Mills was found shot to death in the driveway of his home on Far Meadow Lane in Cushing. Investigators say Kierstead told them he and Mills argued about the money he owed for drugs, then he got Mills to go outside to look at a problem with his truck.
Kierstead told investigators that while Mills was looking under the hood of the truck, he took out a shotgun and fired multiple shots at Mills. Investigators report finding 5 shotgun shell casings on the ground -- four from 12-gauge slugs and one from birdshot. After firing the shots, Kierstead said he took a variety of pills, apparently trying to commit suicide. But he woke up and then called 911.
Detectives interviewed Kierstead the night of the shooting and then had him taken to the hospital for treatment of the apparent overdose. He was hospitalized until Sunday afternoon, according to his attorney.
Kierstead was ordered held without bail, pending another hearing October 9. Bail is typically not allowed in murder cases.
NEWS CENTER