AUGUSTA – A defendant awaiting trial on a murder charge made an initial court appearance via video today morning on charges of assault on a jail guard, aggravated criminal mischief and terrorizing.

David B. Silva Jr., 33, had previously refused to appear in court on the new charges, which were filed July 26.

However, he appeared today with attorney Steven Brochu in Kennebec County jail.

The prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Brad Grant and Justice Michaela Murphy, were in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Grant said Silva did not enter a plea to the charges, but indicated he will plead not guilty.

Silva is accused of hitting a jail guard in the chest with his head, threatening to kill another guard, and smearing feces in the cell.

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Silva’s next hearing date on those charges is Oct. 30, and bail was set at $2,000.

Records show Silva was charged in October 2011 with terrorizing and failure to sign a summons and complaint. The alleged victim was the same officer Silva is accused of assaulting more recently.

He is being held without bail on charges of murder, arson, and robbery in the Feb. 8, 2011, death of Robert A. Orr of Readfield.

Silva and his girlfriend, who are originally from Massachusetts, were living in Orr’s home at the time.

Investigators say Silva shot Orr in the head, then set the house afire to try to conceal both the murder and robbery.

Trial in that case is tentatively set for November, according to Deputy Attorney General William Stokes, whose office is prosecuting that case.

 


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