Crime
1 killed after shooting in Windham, suspect James Ford found dead
WINDHAM, Maine — Authorities have confirmed that suspect in a fatal shooting in North Windham, identified as James O. Ford, was found deceased following a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to officials, the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Friday along Route 302 near Landing Road in North Windham.
Officers from the Windham Police Department, assisted by the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, responded to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts administered by bystanders and first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators quickly identified James O. Ford as the primary suspect. Witness accounts led officers to believe that Ford fled the scene in a silver vehicle heading toward Raymond.
A short time later, police located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of a Dunkin’ store in Raymond.
Maine State Police Major Lucas Hare stated that Ford was located shortly after the vehicle was found.
His cause of death has not yet been released, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy in the coming days.
The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for residents in Windham and Raymond at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Authorities also closed Route 302 at Landing Road for several hours, reopening it around 6:30 p.m. The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted shortly before a press conference held at 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Central Fire Station.
During the search, an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) alert was issued stating:
“Gunman at large in North Windham. Shelter indoors, lock doors. Report suspicious behavior to 911. Last seen Windham/Raymond line. Stay inside. Tune to local news or Windham PD for updates.”
Officials later clarified that the alert had been mistakenly broadcast statewide instead of to the targeted affected area.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved, will be released once family members have been notified.
Crime
Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton charged with the murder in stabbing of her boyfriend Darius Montreal Boglin
A 43-year-old woman from Bessemer has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend earlier this month, according to authorities.
Court records show Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton, 43, is charged with the murder of Darius Montreal Boglin, 45.
Carlton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on March 5 and is currently being held without bond.
Officers with the Bessemer Police Department were dispatched at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, to the 3100 block of Avenue B following reports of a stabbing.
According to Detective Justin Burmeister, responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered Boglin suffering from a stab wound in a driveway.
Emergency responders attempted to assess his condition, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Authorities said Carlton was still present at the location when officers arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators confirmed that Carlton and Boglin were involved in a dating relationship.
Charging documents allege that the fatal incident occurred during an altercation when Boglin allegedly grabbed Carlton from behind, at which point she stabbed him, resulting in his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411 or 205-481-4366. Tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 205-428-3541, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.