In the quiet ski town of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, the life of 23-year-old Makayla Rose Desantis was tragically cut short on the evening of March 8, 2026. A vibrant young woman from Colchester, Connecticut, Makayla was fatally shot at a condominium complex on Left Bank, a residence she shared with her boyfriend. First responders were alerted to the shooting by a distressing 911 call and transported her to MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington.
From there, she was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation into her death quickly focused on her boyfriend, 24-year-old Austin Doucette. He was taken into custody by the Maine State Police in the nearby town of Kingfield the following evening and has since been charged with murder. During his initial court appearance, it was revealed that Desantis had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. In a frantic 911 call, Doucette was reportedly hysterical and at one point stated, "I can't believe I did this," though he later claimed the shooting was an accident. The couple had been in a relationship for nearly eight years.
In the wake of this tragedy, Makayla's family remembered her as a kind, dedicated, and creative individual. Her sister described her as the "most loving girl," who found joy in baking for loved ones, crafting, and painting. She was a cherished older sister and a role model who consistently put others before herself. Both Makayla and Doucette were employees at the nearby Sugarloaf ski resort, and the incident has left the small community in shock. Doucette is currently being held without bail at the Franklin County Jail as the investigation continues.
