Item 74605info Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Alphonso Cote Murder (1924)
On November 7, 1924, Alphonso Cote was murdered by Charles H. Fielding, under careful planning by Alphonso’s wife, Lottie. Fielding was aided in his crime by young Ralph Sanborn, Lottie’s child from her first marriage. Initially, Lottie played the innocent wife, posting a $50 reward for any information regarding her missing husband.
On November 15, Alphonso’s body was found in a secret grave on the Cote Property. All three suspected, Lottie, Fielding, and Sanborn were interrogated by County Attorney, Ralph Ingalls. Sanborn implicated his mother and Fielding, while Fielding himself admitted to the murder, out of love for Lottie. Lottie attempted to remove herself from the crime in an interview with the Evening Express. She stated that she knew nothing of the murder, putting full blame onto Fielding. She said Fielding threatened her if she revealed his plan.
