A shocking incident in Maine has left a young woman dead and her boyfriend behind bars. Police say the case involves a shooting that initially appeared to be an accident, but investigators later found evidence that raised serious questions. The tragic event has deeply affected the local community and the victim’s family, who remember her as a kind and caring person.
The Shooting Incident in Carrabassett Valley
Police in Maine arrested 24-year-old Austin Doucette after the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Mikayla Rose DeSantis. The incident happened at the Left Bank condominiums in Carrabassett Valley, a small town located about 120 miles north of Portland.
Authorities say a 911 call was made around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Franklin County Regional Communications Center received the call reporting a shooting, and state police were immediately sent to the location.
Emergency responders later met the couple along Route 27. Paramedics found DeSantis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and rushed her to MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, she was then flown by helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Sadly, she later died from her injuries.
Boyfriend Reportedly Made the 911 Call
According to court documents, Doucette himself made the emergency call to report the shooting. Police said he sounded extremely emotional and hysterical during the conversation with the dispatcher.
During the call, he reportedly said, “I can’t believe I did this,” and was also heard apologising to his girlfriend, saying, “I’m sorry, babe.”
Investigators say Doucette told the dispatcher that a gun had accidentally gone off. He then said he was leaving the condo with DeSantis to get medical help.
A few minutes later, he made a second call to 911 and repeated the claim that the gun had gone off accidentally. During the call, he told the dispatcher that his girlfriend had been shot in the stomach or abdomen area. At one point, he also said, “I would never do this” and added that he did not want to go to jail.
Police Arrest After Attempted Escape
When police arrived at the condominium, they saw Doucette driving away from the scene at high speed. Officers later stopped him during a traffic stop later that night and placed him under arrest.
Inside his car, police reportedly found reddish-brown stains in the back seat, along with a receipt and a mobile phone believed to belong to DeSantis.
Investigators later searched the condo and recovered several .45-caliber shell casings. The gun was also found on the couch along with a magazine and unused ammunition.
Another Call Raises More Questions
Police also reviewed a separate 911 call made by the girlfriend of Doucette’s father. During that call, the woman reportedly said Doucette told his father that something had happened to DeSantis and that he was being chased by police.
She also said he mentioned plans to harm himself, but his father urged him not to do it. The call ended after she learned that police had already stopped Doucette.
Couple Worked Together at Ski Resort
Both Doucette and DeSantis worked at the Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort in Maine. Although they were living in Maine, both originally came from Connecticut.
Family members say the couple had been together for nearly eight years.
Autopsy Confirms Multiple Gunshot Wounds
According to investigators, doctors initially believed DeSantis had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and had lost a significant amount of blood. She underwent surgery but did not survive.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later conducted an autopsy and confirmed that her death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
Defense Claims the Shooting Was an Accident
Doucette’s attorney, Verne E. Paradie, has stated that the incident appears to be a “terrible accident.” The defence says they hope to gather more information about what exactly happened that night.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine evidence collected from the crime scene.
Family Remembers Mikayla DeSantis
DeSantis’s family has been mourning the loss of a young woman they describe as loving, creative, and caring.
A GoFundMe page created by her brother describes her as someone who loved baking, crafting, painting, and spending time with people who cared about her.
He wrote that she was the “best big sister and a wonderful role model,” remembering her warm personality and positive spirit.
Her sudden death has left family members, friends, and the community heartbroken.
