Windham, Maine — On Friday, a tragic shooting incident unfolded, leaving two men dead and raising concerns in the community. Authorities have identified the deceased as Erin Hayne, 33, of Casco, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. The shooter, James Ford, 48, of Windham, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after the incident.
The events transpired around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Roosevelt Trail and Landing Road, where police were summoned following reports of gunfire. Eyewitnesses stated that Hayne, who was riding a motorcycle, was shot at while a silver sedan approached. Despite immediate efforts by nearby witnesses, including a Game Warden, to administer first aid, Hayne was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations revealed no prior connection between Hayne and Ford, which has puzzled authorities. Witnesses observed the sedan drive up beside Hayne’s motorcycle before several gunshots rang out. In the confusion, some individuals in a U-Haul truck attempted to follow the fleeing vehicle, relaying its license plate to emergency services. However, they lost sight of it near the town line separating Raymond and Windham.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office later found the suspect’s vehicle abandoned behind a Dunkin’ shop on Route 302 in Raymond. After a thorough search, a K9 unit from the Maine State Police discovered Ford’s body nearby, indicating he had taken his own life just after the shooting.
Investigators learned Ford had left his residence in Windham shortly before the shooting began. Reports indicate he was alone in his vehicle when the incident occurred. The motivations behind the shooting remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing as officials seek to piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or captured it on video to come forward with information. As the investigation continues, the Windham community grapples with the shock of this violence, underscoring the importance of vigilance and support in times of tragedy.