In the small town of Temple, Maine, the morning of January 9, 2018, was shattered by a tragic event that would leave the community in sorrow. Michelle Masse, a 59-year-old Caucasian woman, was found deceased in her home on Temple Road. The circumstances of her death were the result of a devastating murder-suicide.
The day began with a distressing phone call to the Franklin County dispatch center around 5:50 a.m.
Michelle's husband, 60-year-old Thomas Masse, informed the dispatcher that he was going to shoot himself. This prompted an immediate response from law enforcement, with a Franklin County Sheriff's deputy and a Farmington police officer arriving at the couple's home shortly after 6 a.m.
Upon their arrival, officers were unable to make contact with anyone inside the residence. Despite numerous attempts to reach the couple by phone, there was no answer. As the morning progressed, the presence of law enforcement grew, with more deputies and state troopers arriving at the scene. The situation escalated to the point where the state police tactical team and crisis negotiators were called in.
It wasn't until around 12:30 p.m. that the tactical team made entry into the home. Inside, they made a grim discovery. Michelle Masse's body was found in a bathtub, and Thomas Masse was found in a living room chair with a handgun by his side.
The Maine medical examiner's office later confirmed that both Michelle and Thomas Masse died from single gunshot wounds to the head. The investigation concluded that Thomas Masse shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. No other suspects were identified, and no arrests were made as the case was ruled a murder-suicide. Michelle Masse was remembered as an employee of the Colonial Valley Motel in Farmington, while her husband worked at Collins Enterprises in Wilton.
