BATH, Maine — A man from Edgecomb accused of murdering his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter returned to court Tuesday as his second trial commenced. Tyler Witham-Jordan faces charges of depraved indifference murder in the death of Makinzlee Handrahan, who passed away on Christmas Day in 2022.
The courtroom proceedings at the Sagadahoc County Courthouse mark a significant moment, occurring more than 14 months after a mistrial was declared in his initial trial in December 2024. Witham-Jordan’s arrest took place on October 6, 2023, following an investigation into Makinzlee’s tragic death. She was the daughter of Faith Lewis, Witham-Jordan’s girlfriend.
Prosecutors allege that Witham-Jordan was experiencing opioid withdrawal at the time of the incident and held animosity toward Lewis’ children, Makinzlee included. In their opening statements, they pointed to compelling forensic evidence, including DNA found in critical areas such as the waistband of Makinzlee’s diaper and under her fingernails. Additionally, a hairbrush recovered from the scene contained significant amounts of the girl’s hair.
The defense, however, contends that Lewis herself should bear responsibility for the child’s death. This argument shifts the focus away from Witham-Jordan and challenges the accusations presented by law enforcement.
Testimonies from first responders added a somber tone to the proceedings, as emergency medical technicians described arriving at the scene to find Makinzlee in a devastating state. One EMT described her as “stiff” and “cold to the touch,” with injuries that left her severely bruised.
The first trial faced an abrupt end when the defense raised concerns about the fairness of the process. On December 11, 2024, during Lewis’ testimony, she became overwhelmed upon viewing images of her daughter’s body, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial due to potential bias in the jury from her emotional reaction.
This second trial has been relocated from Lincoln County to Sagadahoc County in an effort to secure an impartial jury. Prosecutors have reiterated their commitment to proving Witham-Jordan’s guilt, citing DNA and text messages indicative of his involvement in Makinzlee’s death.
Meanwhile, the defense maintains that there remains a lack of direct evidence linking Witham-Jordan to the incident, urging the jury to consider Faith Lewis as the key suspect in this heartbreaking case. The unfolding trial continues to draw attention, as the community awaits justice for Makinzlee.