DV assault suspect never showed signs of violence, acquaintance says

Dale Godfrey (Courtesy photo)

COPYRIGHT2017© WEST LEBANON - Even as State Police ponder whether to comb the banks of Milton Pond and the downstream Salmon Falls River for any signs of a missing domestic violence suspect, a man who lives not far from the suspect's residence said he never saw any clue that the man could turn violent.

"I used to see him walking out with his kids, his wife many times," said the man, who asked that his name not be used for this story.

Dale Godfrey, of 167 Sam Wentworth Road in West Lebanon, was last seen alive on April 26 around 4 a.m. after police say he apparently got into a confrontation with his wife and violently assaulted her.

After the alleged attack, he fled the scene, according to police. His truck was found a couple of miles away about 15-20 yards down a driveway near where a house is being built across the street from Poplar Hill Road where T.M. Wentworth and Champion streets meet in West Lebanon.

State Police Trooper Kyle Wells said earlier this week that the interior of Godfrey's pickup truck was covered in blood and that Godfrey was known to keep box cutters in his truck.

State Police noted in a press release on Tuesday that his checkbook was found in a nearby stream near where his truck was found, and Wells said on Wednesday that, "It's pretty much a recovery situation," indicating there's a great likelihood Godfrey may be deceased and his body could be in nearby waters.

Meanwhile, the Sam Wentworth Road neighbor said there was never any suggestion during his interactions with Godfrey that would suggest a violent nature. He said the couple along with two young children had lived in their nearby home for about five years.

Wells said on Wednesday none of Godfrey's family or acquaintances have heard from him, that he had withdrawn no money from any bank accounts and that his phone was turned off.

Wells said he's not sure what the next step will be in the investigation or when it will take place, but did say that the department does have access to cadaver dogs who can sniff out a body in the water.

With the spring runoff, portions of the Salmon Falls below the Milton dams can be quite treacherous, which is another concern, Wells noted.

Both Maine Game Wardens' and Strafford County Sheriff's Office K-9 units have tried to pick up Godfrey's scent from his pickup with no luck.

While Wells said it's very likely that Godfrey may have intentionally hurt himself, he made it clear Godfrey never indicated he would do so.

The female assaulted in the attack was treated and released with what were described as minor injuries. She is now at a safe area location with the couple's children.

Wells said both mother and children are doing well considering the circumstances.

He also said Godfrey had no criminal record.