Infamous Crimes – The Black Bear B&B murders – Saul Roth

Image Credit: ThePessimus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By Saul Roth

The Black Bear Bed and Breakfast murders were a series of four murders that took place in Newry, Maine, over Labor Day weekend in 2006. The victims were James Whitehurst, a handyman who was staying at the B&B; Julie Bullard, the owner of the B&B; Selby Bullard, her daughter; and Cynthia Beatson, her daughter’s friend.

The murders were committed by Christian Charles Nielsen, a long-term guest at the B&B. Nielsen was a 31-year-old man who had been living in a nearby town and working as a cook. He had no prior criminal record and was not known to be violent.

The murders began on September 1, 2006, when Nielsen shot and killed Whitehurst. Whitehurst was a 50-year-old man from Arkansas who had been staying at the B&B for about a month. Nielsen then burned Whitehurst’s body in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The next day, Nielsen killed Julie Bullard. Bullard was the 65-year-old owner of the B&B. She was found dead in her bedroom, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

On Labor Day, Nielsen killed Selby Bullard and Cynthia Beatson. Selby Bullard was Julie Bullard’s 30-year-old daughter. Cynthia Beatson was Selby Bullard’s 43-year-old friend. The two women were found dead in the B&B’s living room, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

Nielsen’s father and stepmother became suspicious when they did not hear from him on Labor Day. They went to the B&B and found the bodies of the four victims. Nielsen was arrested later that day.

Nielsen was charged with four counts of murder. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The Black Bear Bed and Breakfast murders were a shocking and tragic event. The victims were all innocent people who were killed in a senseless act of violence. The murders had a profound impact on the community of Newry and the surrounding area.

The murders also raised questions about the mental health of the perpetrator, Christian Nielsen. Nielsen had no prior criminal record and was not known to be violent. However, he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was taking medication for the condition.

The murders also raised questions about the safety of bed and breakfasts. Bed and breakfasts are often seen as a safe and welcoming place to stay. However, the Black Bear Bed and Breakfast murders showed that even these types of establishments can be the scene of violence.

The Black Bear Bed and Breakfast murders are a reminder that violence can happen anywhere. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to stay safe. If you are staying at a bed and breakfast, be sure to lock your doors and windows and to let someone know where you are going.