The two families involved in a high-profile property dispute in Sumner should take note of a case now making its way through Superior Court in Bangor.

There Peter Robinson, 49, is accused of murdering another man in a right-of-way dispute.

Robinson says he acted in self-defense when he used a large crowbar to beat David Trask, 71, to death in Hudson. 

The evidence shows that Robinson was angry about other property owners using a common road across his property.

Robinson had previously strung a cable across the road and argued with Trask and his brothers over using the road with their ATVs.

A retired game warden testified Tuesday that Robinson threatened to kill Trask and his brothers three years ago.

The outline of that dispute is eerily similar to the drama playing out in Sumner.

There two families are feuding over the use of a road that one family claims is on their property, but that the other family says they have used for decades.

The road has been blocked. People are sporting handguns and heated words have been exchanged.

Last week, a young member of one family, Benjamin Stewart, was arrested after approaching a pickup truck with a home-made ax.

The man in that truck says Stewart tried to punch out the window of his truck, but backed off when he reached for his gun.

The young man’s stepfather was charged with assault last fall.

Neither the town nor police are empowered to settle this dispute, and neither side is willing to pay to file a civil suit to decide the matter.

But they should both remember that civil court is a lot cheaper and far less traumatic than facing felony charges in criminal court.

rrhoades@sunjournal.com

The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the ownership and the editorial board.