A tragic incident unfolded in Westbrook, Maine, as a 24-year-old man allegedly shot and killed a couple in front of their children. Marcel Lagrange Jr. has been charged with two counts of intentional or knowing murder. The victims, Brittney Cockrell and Michael Hayter, were fatally shot while sitting in their car in a parking lot. The couple’s 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter witnessed the horrifying act but were thankfully unharmed. However, a 75-year-old bystander sustained minor injuries during the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and there is no apparent connection between Lagrange and the victims.
Eyewitnesses at the scene, including Asad Khlaif who was working nearby, described the moment when the gunman opened fire on Hayter and pursued Cockrell as she attempted to escape. Khlaif and another man bravely shielded the children from the violence until help arrived.
Lagrange’s lawyer has requested a mental health evaluation, referencing previous court records highlighting his bipolar disorder diagnosis and a history of criminal behavior since 2018. Lagrange himself has openly discussed his struggles with the law and expressed a desire to better himself in a livestream with the nonprofit organization Maine Inside Out.
It has been revealed that Lagrange faced a previous charge of domestic violence assault in 2020, which was ultimately dropped. Police reports from that incident documented Lagrange’s agitated behavior and possession of a black handgun. Additionally, he mentioned in the livestream that he was facing an arson charge that was complicating his housing situation.
Hayter and Cockrell recently relocated to Maine with their children from Texas, having made the move approximately six months prior to the tragic shooting. Colleagues of Hayter expressed shock and sadness over the couple’s untimely deaths, emphasizing Hayter’s deep love for his family.
In the aftermath of this devastating event, Westbrook Mayor Michael Foley has announced that the children will soon be reunited with their family members. He also mentioned plans to recognize the bystanders and first responders involved. The community has demonstrated support by establishing a temporary memorial downtown and preparations are underway to set up a GoFundMe page to assist the children.
Gun violence continues to be a significant cause of premature death in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 20,303 gun-related deaths this year, with 11,418 classified as suicides. It is crucial to address and raise awareness about this pressing issue.
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