A former liquor store employee who was once adamant about his innocence has shockingly confessed to the brutal stabbing of one of his former co-workers.
Spridal Hubiak initially pleaded not guilty to killing his co-worker, Angela Bragg, but in a sudden turn of events, he is now asking to withdraw his former plea.
At the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta on Tuesday, Hubiak, 21, told the judge that he is in fact guilty of murdering 51-year-old Bragg in late December of 2023.
Recently obtained court documents by News Center Maine reveal how Hubiak stabbed Bragg at a Damon's Beverage in Waterville after he locked the store's front doors 45 minutes before closing time.
The judge, however, is refusing to accept Hubiak's change of heart until he undergoes a competence evaluation to confirm he fully understands his decision to change his plea and is doing so voluntarily.
"Frankly, even moments ago we were recommending against this course of action. But we have discussed this with him extensively," Hubiak's defense team explained to the judge.
Both prosecutors and the defense team stated they do not share the judge's concern over Hubiak's competence at the Tuesday hearing.
Notes from Hubiak's cell phone that were shared in court by the prosecution indicate that the workplace killing was actually premeditated murder.
The 21-year-old talks about "scouting, prepping, getting a mask, and how to disguise his car, among other things," stated the prosecution.
And while Bragg's family members understand the judge's decision to further evaluate Hubiak's walk-back, they are anxious for justice to be served.
"She was my best friend," said the victim's ex-husband Dave Bragg.
"I just feel bad; my kids don't have a mom, and I have to step up a little bit. My grandbabies want their grandmother, and she's not there."
Hubiak is due back in court on October 11.
