Douglas J. Parent, 64, was found dead in his Main Street apartment above the Waldoboro News Stand on the morning of Monday, October 3, 1983. A World War II veteran and long‑time proprietor planning retirement on January 1, 1984, Parent’s body was discovered by a friend; the apartment was in disarray but showed no signs of forced entry. At first thought to be a heart attack or fall, an autopsy determined he died of asphyxiation caused by a crushed larynx, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators learned Parent was last seen about 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, and had told a witness he expected to meet someone at 9:00 p.m. to discuss money that person owed him. Police questioned numerous people and considered robbery as a possible motive, but could not confirm if anything was taken and publicly named no official suspects. The case remains open on Maine’s unsolved homicide list.

If anyone knew Douglas, the people he expected to meet that weekend, or saw unusual activity near Main Street on October 2–3, please come forward with information.