On a tragic day in March 2020, the small town of Millinocket, Maine, was shaken by a violent event that led to the death of 23-year-old Cameron James Pelkey. The incident unfolded on Sunday, March 15, inside a residence on Penobscot Avenue, where Pelkey, along with another man and a woman, were held in a hostage situation. During the altercation, Pelkey was shot.
He was life-flighted to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Cameron Pelkey succumbed to a single gunshot wound and passed away. His death was officially determined by the State Medical Examiner's Office in Augusta. In a final act of generosity, Pelkey's decision to be an organ donor was honored on Thursday, March 19, offering a chance at life for others in the wake of his own untimely death. Friends and family remembered him as a caring individual with a sense of humor and a peaceful nature, a person who would make sure his friends got home safe and was always there to offer support during hard times.
The individual responsible for the shooting was identified as 45-year-old Jason Mulligan of Bangor. After the shooting, Mulligan barricaded himself inside the home, leading to a standoff with the Maine State Police Tactical Team. The tactical team was able to safely rescue the other two individuals from the home and take Mulligan into custody. Initially charged with aggravated attempted murder, the charge against Mulligan was later amended to manslaughter following Pelkey's death.
The motive for the shooting was reported to be a dispute over drugs. In June 2021, Jason Mulligan pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Prosecutors stated that Mulligan had gone to the residence looking for drugs and became agitated, brandishing a firearm. During the ensuing events, Pelkey was fatally shot. At his sentencing, Mulligan expressed remorse for his actions, stating that Pelkey was a "good kid" and that he never intended for the tragedy to happen. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the death of Cameron Pelkey.
