Small Town Murder
Episode: "Behind The Murder Mask - Litchfield, Maine"
Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

Timestamp: [01:16]

James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman welcome listeners to another intense episode of Small Town Murder Express. The hosts set the stage for a deep dive into a chilling murder case in the small town of Litchfield, Maine. They briefly mention their live shows and other podcast offerings, including Crime and Sports, highlighting their commitment to thorough research and their unique comedic perspective on dark topics.

Overview of Litchfield, Maine

Timestamp: [04:20]

James: "We're going somewhere we enjoy a great deal. We're going to Maine this week."

The hosts provide a comprehensive background on Litchfield, a rural town in South Central Maine, approximately 25 minutes outside Augusta. With a population of 3,587, the town boasts a median household income slightly above the national average and a median home cost of around $307,800. Originally named Smithfield Plantation, the town was renamed Litchfield to shed its oppressive connotations. The area's history includes community-driven initiatives, such as an 1860 town farm supporting the poor, reminiscent of modern Habitat for Humanity.

James: "In 1860, a town farm of 112 acres was bought on which to support the town poor. They said some guy made up the difference here and said, 'I'll pay for it.' So that was nice of them back then."

The town enjoys recreational activities like hiking and hosts the annual Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival, attracting thousands of music enthusiasts. The festival features a mix of national and local bands, emphasizing community and family-friendly entertainment.

The Hutchins Family Background

Timestamp: [12:30]

The episode delves into the tragic story of Kimberly Jo Hutchins:

• Birth and Education:

  • Born on June 11, 1970, in Rumford, Maine.
  • Graduated from Telstar High School and Becker College in 1990 with a degree in interior design.

• Personal Interests:

  • Passionate about interior design, art, and self-taught piano skills.

• Marriage and Family:

  • Married Alex Mironovas in 2003, moving to Massachusetts.
  • Their son, Lucas, was born in 2004. Diagnosed with mental health disorders and autism spectrum in early childhood, Lucas struggled socially and academically, leading to multiple school expulsions.

James: "Lucas is just this 15-year-old unsupervised kid in a new place."

In September 2017, Kimberly and Lucas relocate to Litchfield, Maine, in hopes of providing Lucas with a fresh environment and better support.

Lucas and His Friends

Timestamp: [33:54]

Introducing Lucas's close friends:

1. William Smith (15 years old):

   • Comes from a troubled background with an addicted mother.
   • Described as helpful and polite by neighbors.
   • Experienced a year living with his grandparents, attending a Christian school with positive outcomes.

2. Thomas Severance (TJ) (13 years old):

   • Estranged from his father, who had minimal contact.
   • Sentenced to juvenile detention for his role in the murder.

James: "Lucas... has no friends and everything like that."

Planning the Murder

Timestamp: [45:03]

Lucas, William, and TJ devise a plan to murder Kimberly:

• Initial Plot:

  • Will: Suggests killing Kimberly to steal her car for transportation.
  • Lucas: Agrees, stating, "I'm down with that."

• Methodology:

  • Attempted poisoning with crushed medication dissolved in wine failed due to visibility.
  • Shifted to strangulation and stabbing, planning to stage the scene as a home invasion or suicide.
  • Roles Assigned:
    • Lucas: Stabbing
    • Will: Strangulation
    • TJ: Lookout

James: "They assigned specific roles... to avoid leaving fingerprints."

The trio created graphic novels depicting violent scenarios, suggesting premeditation and fascination with murder.

The Murder Execution

Timestamp: [58:02]

On the night of April 21-22, 2018:

• Execution:

  • Lucas and William crept into Kimberly's bedroom wearing gloves and masks.
  • Strangulation and Stabbing:
    • They strangled Kimberly while she was unconscious.
    • James: "Lucas stabbed his mother repeatedly in the neck."

• Discovery:

  • Neighbors reported seeing three teenagers leaving the house in the morning.
  • The trio was apprehended driving Kimberly's car, despite none of them having a driver's license.

Detection: Upon arrival, detectives found Kimberly dead with multiple defensive wounds, suggesting she fought for her life.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Timestamp: [65:01]

• Charges:

  • Lucas and William: Charged with intentional murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder.
  • TJ: Charged with lesser involvement, pleaded guilty for a reduced sentence.

• Outcomes:

  • William Smith (15): Tried as an adult, sentenced to 28 years in prison.
    James: "You're gonna have to knock some ears off of that."

  • Lucas Minarovas (18): Also tried as an adult, sentenced to 33 years.
    Jimmy: "He's still only like 21, 22 years old."

  • Thomas Severance (TJ) (13): Tried as a juvenile, sentenced to time until age 21 at Long Creek Youth Development Center.

James: "The prosecutor said... we were gratified Mr. Smith finally agreed to take responsibility."

Impact on the Community and Family

Timestamp: [69:20]

• Family Grief:

  • Aunt Ben Beth: Expressed heartbreak over Kimberly's death and sorrow for Lucas. Ben Beth: "We love both Kimberly and Lucas with all our heart."

• Community Reaction:

  • Neighbors were shocked by the violence and the involvement of young teens.
  • Staff at juvenile detention noted the trio's troubling behavior, including chanting "murder gang" and making stabbing motions, influencing other detainees.

James: "This is how unsophisticated these kids are."

Conclusion

Timestamp: [77:25]

James and Jimmy reflect on the tragic case, emphasizing the devastating impact on the family and the community. They highlight the complexities of juvenile justice and the challenges of rehabilitation for troubled youth. The episode serves as a somber reminder of how deeply personal and societal issues can intertwine, leading to unimaginable outcomes.

James: "It is Litchfield, Maine, everybody. And a really fucking twisted story, man. Just gross and twisted and mean and shitty."

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo:
  [05:36] "So they did that."
  [12:06] "That's pretty much the whole town was an HOA."

• Jimmy Whisman:
  [07:01] "Love that."
  [29:22] "You're 55. Stop."

• James Pietragallo:
  [33:54] "So you could be dealing with this guy. You have no fucking idea that you're dealing with this guy."
  [77:32] "You know that deep in a hole where everyone thinks you're a piece of shit. That would be a dumb thing to do."

Final Thoughts

"Behind The Murder Mask - Litchfield, Maine" is a profound exploration of a dark chapter in a small town's history. James and Jimmy navigate the complexities of familial struggles, youth delinquency, and the harsh realities of the legal system, all while maintaining their signature blend of in-depth research and comedic commentary. This episode not only recounts a heinous crime but also invites listeners to ponder the societal and personal factors that contribute to such tragedies.

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this summary involves sensitive and graphic material related to a real-life murder case. Listener discretion is advised.