Eight Years Later, Maine AG Denies Mother's Petition to Revisit Daughter's Murder Case

Sharon Kennedy, formerly Sharon Carrillo, continues legal battle over 2018 conviction for killing 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:30am

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Eight years to the day since the murder of her 10-year-old daughter Marissa, Sharon Kennedy (formerly Sharon Carrillo) has had her petition for a writ of habeas corpus dismissed by the Maine Attorney General's office. Kennedy was convicted in 2019 of the prolonged abuse and murder of Marissa and sentenced to 48 years in prison. She has continued to file appeals and petitions, including a recent request for a court-appointed lawyer to help with her case.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant public attention in Maine due to the horrific nature of the crime and the ongoing legal battle by the mother to overturn her conviction. It raises questions about domestic violence, the handling of abuse cases, and whether the justice system adequately supported the victim and her family.

The details

In her latest petition, Kennedy alleged ineffective assistance of counsel, citing the failure to introduce photographs of her own injuries and the delayed objection to testimony about statements she made to a fellow inmate. However, the court found these claims did not meet the legal standard for overturning the conviction. Kennedy continues to maintain her innocence, claiming she was in an abusive relationship and begged her husband to call 911 the day Marissa died.

  • Marissa Kennedy was murdered on February 25, 2018.
  • Sharon Kennedy was convicted and sentenced in December 2019.
  • Kennedy's petition for writ of habeas corpus was dismissed on February 25, 2026 - exactly 8 years after Marissa's death.
  • Kennedy appealed the dismissal in a March 6, 2026 letter to the court.

The players

Sharon Kennedy

Formerly known as Sharon Carrillo, she was convicted of the 2018 murder of her 10-year-old daughter Marissa and is currently serving a 48-year prison sentence.

Julio Carrillo

Sharon Kennedy's then-husband, who pleaded guilty to Marissa's murder in 2019 and was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Shawna Gatto

An inmate at the Two Bridges Regional Jail where Sharon Kennedy was held, who allegedly made statements about Kennedy that were used as evidence against her.

Justice Robert Murray

The judge who presided over Sharon Kennedy's state post-conviction review petition and denied her request for a writ of habeas corpus.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like they forced me to say things and I was scared of Julio Carrillo if I did not take responsibility. I was in a really bad abusive relationship, and I feel like the jurors, the judge and the AG did not care at all.”

— Sharon Kennedy

What’s next

Sharon Kennedy has indicated she plans to continue her legal battle, stating in her March 6 letter that she hopes to obtain a court-appointed lawyer to assist her with her appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by victims of domestic violence, especially when they are also accused of crimes against their own family members. It raises questions about whether the justice system adequately supports and protects vulnerable individuals in these complex situations.