AUGUSTA — A Readfield woman was indicted by a grand jury Thursday on a charge of elevated aggravated assault for allegedly shooting her husband in the back with a 12-gauge pump shotgun on May 17 at their home.
Sally A. Costello, 61, also known as Sally Ann Earl-Costello, has been held in jail since her arrest shortly after she called police to say she had shot him and thought he might be dead. Her bail is set at $75,000.
Her husband, Hugh Costello, 81, survived his injuries and was in a courtroom at the Capital Judicial Center on Aug. 8 when she was scheduled for a brief court hearing. However, it was postponed.
The elevated aggravated assault charge carries a prison term of up to 30 years if convicted.
Police investigating the incident said Sally Costello, a retired veterinarian, told them she shot her husband in the back as he was sitting outside the home on the steps following an argument. Police also indicated she appeared to be intoxicated and was slurring her words.
An affidavit by Kennebec Sheriff’s Deputy John Bourque, said the woman said her husband “made her do it” and she said she had been the victim of abuse by him.
There had been a series of domestic disputes at the home, according to police.
An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but it indicates that there is enough evidence to proceed with formal charges and a trial.
Costello will be arraigned on the charge at a later date.
A number of other people were indicted by the same Kennebec County grand jury:
• Katie Lynn Danforth, 27, of Norridgewock, unlawful furnishing of cocaine and operating after suspension, both March 29, 2017, in Waterville.
• Victor Dudley, 47, of Winslow, aggravated assault for allegedly attacking a woman June 15, 2017, in Winslow.
• Jordan M. Gerry, 29, of Augusta, operating after revocation May 2, 2017, in Augusta.
• Heath M. Hanson, 43, of Standish, operating after revocation and violation of condition of release May 27, 2017, in Gardiner.
• Timothy Adam Hogan, 39, of Waterville, two counts of aggravated trafficking in cocaine base, one on May 10, 2017, and one on May 31, 2017, both in Waterville.
• Joseph H. Hood, 31, of Benton, nine counts of possession of sexually explicit materials depicting children under 12. All charges are dated between Aug. 16, 2016, and March 9, 2017, in Benton. Hood was initially charged when he was arrested March 9, 2017, in Benton.
• Justin Howard, 31, of Benton, aggravated trafficking in cocaine base and unlawful trafficking in cocaine base Aug. 4, 2016, in Winslow.
• Amy Jean Hudson, 34, of Waterville, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking and one count of public drinking, all July 21, 2017, in Waterville.
• Kevin A. Jones, 43, of Winthrop, domestic violence assault and obstructing report of crime or injury May 13, 2017, in Winthrop.
• Megan Irene Legasse, 31, of Waterville, theft by unauthorized taking May 22, 2017, in Waterville.
• Thomas J. Lemay, 30, of Wales, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking (firearms), theft by unauthorized taking (priors), and criminal mischief in Belgrade; and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Sidney, all Feb. 8, 2017.
• Brett Allen Libby, 27, of Vassalboro, criminal operating under the influence and operating beyond license condition or restriction July 16, 2017, in Winslow.
• Bryan Martin-Evans, 30, of Waterville, domestic violence assault April 29, 2017, in Winslow.
• Todd A. Steward, 57, of Norridgewock, aggravated criminal mischief, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon (a motor vehicle), criminal operating under the influence, driving to endanger and leaving the scene of a property damage accident, all May 1, 2017, in Waterville.
• Andrew G. Stewart, 30, of Waterville, theft by unauthorized taking and violation of condition of release April 19, 2017, in Waterville.
• Nathaniel Dale Sulim, 33, of Waterville, theft by deception May 15, 2017, in Waterville.
• Keith Thompson, 31, of Corinna, aggravated trafficking in heroin and unlawful trafficking in fentanyl Dec. 7, 2016, in West Gardiner.
• Stephen Louis Verzoni, 63, of Fairfield, criminal operating under the influence and operating beyond license condition or restriction May 23, 2017, in Waterville.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
Twitter: @betadams
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