Portland mourns young resident killed near Tukey’s Bridge; suspect charged with murder

Community shaken after stabbing near Tukey’s Bridge

Portland residents are grappling with the sudden death of 21-year-old Julian “Juju” Nadeau, who was fatally stabbed last week while walking with friends along the Back Cove Trail beneath Tukey’s Bridge. Nadeau died at Maine Medical Center after the encounter, and Portland police arrested and charged 58-year-old Glen Rodney of Portland with murder in connection with the attack.

The group was walking on the trail along Interstate 295 on Wednesday evening when a man approached them on a bicycle, according to court documents. Witnesses said the group and the man argued. The man then produced a knife, chased Nadeau and a friend, jumped on Nadeau and stabbed her in the chest.

Those who knew Nadeau say the violence cut short the life of a person known for warmth and creativity. Friends and her partner described her as energetic and deeply connected to the people around her, someone who held tight to the small things she loved — worn clothes, a collection of pins and handmade bracelets.

• Victim: Julian “Juju” Nadeau, 21, Portland resident.
• Suspect: Glen Rodney, 58, of Portland. Arrested and charged with murder.
• Location: Back Cove Trail near Tukey’s Bridge, along I-295.
• Outcome: Nadeau died at Maine Medical Center following the stabbing.

Friends who were with Nadeau when she was attacked described her as a visible presence in Portland. Her partner, 22-year-old Kasper DeWitt, said she could be spotted by a white hat, knee-high Converse and an armful of bracelets. A close friend who witnessed the attack, 26-year-old Liz McGehee, called Nadeau an “angelic” person who cared deeply for others.

“She was here to make all of us better,” McGehee said.

DeWitt described Nadeau’s personality and presence in similarly vivid terms: “If you talk to anyone about Juju, they’re gonna tell you her energy and vibe is nonhuman.” Nadeau was also part of the furry community and attended conventions in a distinctive white, green and pink hyena costume, according to friends.

Impact on neighborhood and safety questions

The stabbing has drawn attention to safety on the Back Cove Trail, a popular spot for walking and gathering that runs beneath Tukey’s Bridge. The area’s colorful graffiti wall is described by friends as one of Nadeau’s favorite places in the city. The confrontation began near that stretch of trail, which runs parallel to I-295 and serves local walkers, runners and cyclists.

Neighbors and people who frequent the trail said the attack has left many unsettled. City and law enforcement officials have not released additional information beyond court documents detailing the encounter and the arrest. It is unclear whether there were prior interactions between the suspect and the group before the argument on the trail.

The arrest of Rodney marks the next step in the criminal process. Court documents outline the sequence of events leading to the stabbing and were cited by police when charging him with murder. No further details about motive were included in the initial reports available this week.

Remembering Nadeau and next steps

Family, friends and community members are arranging ways to remember Nadeau, who those close to her say offered warmth, humor and a distinctive sense of style to those around her. As the investigation and legal proceedings move forward, the loss has prompted calls for attention to safety along common public routes and support for those who knew her.

Portland authorities and community groups may provide updates as the case proceeds through the courts. For now, friends and loved ones continue to mourn a young life described by those who knew her as bright, giving and unmistakable in the city she called home.