Police Say a Westbrook Couple Was Killed in Front of Their Kids

Police have released more details about a double shooting in Westbrook, including the fact that two children witnessed the deaths.

Where Did This Happen?

According to the Westbrook Police Department, officers were called to the 800 block of Main Street just before 8:30 Monday night. When police arrived, they witnessed a man shooting a woman near a vehicle in the parking lot off Bridge Street, near the intersection with Main Street. The suspect then ran down Main Street, in the direction of the Armory Apartments, with police in pursuit. The armed gunman physically assaulted a bystander, 75-year-old Fred Roukey of Westbrook but was tackled and disarmed by several other bystanders.  Roukey was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Who Were the Shooting Victims?

When first responders went to the female victim, they also found a man inside the vehicle. Both victims were deceased. They have been identified as 37-year-old Brittney Cockrell and 41-year-old Michael Hayter, both of Westbrook.

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Police also found an 11-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl in the vehicle, both of whom witnessed the shooting. Police say Cockrell and Hayter were the children's parents.

Have Police Identified the Suspect?

Police detained the suspect after he was tackled by people on the street and have identified him as 24-year-old Marcel Lagrange, Jr. of South Portland. He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail where he was charged with two counts of murder. Lagrange is currently being held without bail.

Officials say, at this point, there is no known connection between Lagrange and the victims. Police continue to investigate this incident and have not commented on a possible motive for the attack.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

We'll update this story as more details become available.