Garland woman arrested in 78-year-old’s death

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff

A Garland woman has been arrested in the death of a 78-year-old in Hartland in April.

Boonie Coombs, 69, has been charged with murder, according to Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Velma Withee was found dead at a Canaan Road home about 6:30 p.m. on April 12, 2025, Moss said.

The Maine medical examiner’s office found Withee died from a gunshot wound and ruled her death a homicide two days later.

Coombs, Withee’s sister, was arrested in connection with her death on July 11.

She was being held at the Somerset County Jail in Madison, where she is being held without bail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Moss didn’t release additional information.