16-year-old accused of killing his 14-year-old girlfriend in Maine

MT. VERNON, Maine (TCD) -- A 16-year-old male was reportedly taken into custody for allegedly fatally shooting a 14-year-old girl in her home last week.

On July 21, Maine State Police identified the victim as Brooke McLaughlin and said she was found deceased in her home Monday, July 18. According to WCSH-TV, someone also reportedly stole McLaughlin’s mother’s 2010 Chevy Impala, but it was later recovered in Wayne.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled McLaughlin’s death a homicide but did not share a cause of death.

Maine State Police announced July 24 that they arrested a juvenile and charged him with murder, though they did not release any details about where in Maine he resides or other details that led police to arresting him.

According to the Kennebec Journal, the 16-year-old suspect was in a relationship with McLaughlin. He was taken to Maine’s youth prison, Long Creek Youth Development Center.

Maranacook Area Schools Superintendent Jay Charette wrote a statement following McLaughlin’s death and said she was a seventh-grade student at Maranacook Community Middle School.

The Kennebec Journal reports McLaughlin was a hardworking student who looked out for others and loved her pet bearded dragon, Ziggy.

Rick Sirois, Maranacook Community Middle School dean of students, told the Kennebec Journal, "Brooke was just firm and confident in her beliefs."

Her obituary described her as "a kind, loving, very thoughtful, big hearted, strong person who loved her family and friends that she had so much joy spending time."

The investigation into her death remains ongoing.

MORE:

• Mt. Vernon homicide victim identified - Maine State Police
• Mount Vernon Homicide Arrest - Maine State Police
• Mt. Vernon mom returns home to find daughter dead and car missing, police say - WCSH
• Court documents identify teen charged with murder in Mount Vernon girl’s killing - Kennebec Journal
• Maranacook seventh grader identified as victim in Mount Vernon homicide - Kennebec Journal
• Brooke McLaughlin Obituary