A tragic case from Maine has raised serious questions after a young woman died from gunshot wounds, while her boyfriend claims the shooting was an accident. As more details come out, the situation appears more complex and is now being handled as a murder case.
What Happened in Carrabassett Valley
According to the Maine State Police, 24-year-old Austin Doucette has been charged with murder in the death of his 23-year-old girlfriend, Mikayla Rose DeSantis.
The incident took place on March 8 at the Left Bank condominiums in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. After the shooting, DeSantis was rushed to a hospital and later airlifted to a larger medical centre in Portland, where she sadly died from her injuries.
Emergency Calls and Initial Claims
Doucette himself made multiple 911 calls after the incident. According to reports from WMTW, he sounded extremely distressed and repeatedly said the shooting was accidental.
During the calls, he allegedly said:
- “I can’t believe I did this”
- “I’m sorry”
- “It accidentally went off”
He also told dispatchers that he was taking his girlfriend to get medical help.
What Investigators Found
When authorities investigated the scene, they found several details that raised concerns:
- A .45-caliber handgun was found on the couch
- Three spent shell casings were located on the floor
- One unused bullet was also found nearby
Police said multiple bullets were fired inside the home. Some passed through furniture and even damaged parts of the building below.
Autopsy Findings
An autopsy later confirmed that DeSantis died from multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.
This finding contradicts the claim that it was a simple accident, as more than one shot was fired.
Legal Developments
A grand jury has now formally charged Austin Doucette with intentional or knowing murder. Despite this, he continues to maintain that the shooting was accidental.
His lawyer has also supported this claim, calling the incident a “terrible accident” and stating that more details are needed.
Relationship Background
According to family members, the couple had been together for nearly eight years. The long relationship has made the case even more emotional for those who knew them.
Remembering the Victim
Mikayla DeSantis has been remembered by her family as a kind and loving person. They described her as someone who enjoyed simple things like baking, crafting, and spending time with loved ones.
Her loss has deeply affected her family, especially her siblings.
