[Update 4:08 p.m.] State police have identified both individuals killed in an apparent shooting incident Tuesday morning as a 60-year and 59-year-old husband and wife.
According to Stephen McCausland, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, the deceased residents found by the MSP tactical team at 214 Temple Road have been identified as Thomas Masse, 60, and Michelle Masse, 59. Both individuals worked locally in the community: Thomas Masse worked at Collins Enterprises in Wilton, while Michelle Masse worked at the Colonial Valley Motel in Farmington.
McCausland indicated that MSP detectives and evidence technicians will continue to investigate the two deaths through the night.
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TEMPLE – The bodies of a husband and wife were discovered inside their home this afternoon, with the Maine State Police indicating that both individuals appear to have been shot.
According to information released by Stephen McCausland, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, the man and woman were discovered inside their ranch-style home on the Temple Road in Temple. Identities of both individuals have not been released at this hour, as family members are still being notified.
According to Lt. Mark Holmquist with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, Franklin County dispatch received the call at 5:47 a.m. and relayed it to MSP, which alternates coverage of sections of the county with the sheriff’s office. The residence in question is located at 214 Temple Road.
According to McCausland, the male caller who threatened to shoot himself. The state police tactical team and negotiators arrived at the Temple Road address later that morning and attempted to communicate with the couple inside the house.
Holmquist said that MSP tried for three hours to contact the residents but received no response. Tactical team members entered the home at roughly 12:30 p.m., according to McCausland, and discovered both bodies.
It was too early to determine what specifically happened, Holmquist said. Investigators would be conducting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the apparent shooting, including interviews with people living nearby.
The Temple Road was closed to through traffic for much of the day. Temple Fire Department assisted police with traffic control.
McCausland said that the names of the deceased will likely be released later Tuesday.
Not something I ever expected in our little town. My heart goes out to the family. Prayers sent.
To the Masse Families — I am so very sorry for your loss — praying for you all at this difficult time.
I’m heartbroken for the family and all who knew tom and michelle. They were truly special people and will be missed greatly. Prayers for all involved.
Just want to say how very sorry I am. What a tragedy.
Tom is a high school friend from Biddeford Maine, and Michele worked at UNE.
We use to take care of Westbrook skating rink, his dad was involved with Knight’s of Columbus.
Tom’s mechanical business was bought out and he moved to Franklin because his daughter’s husband lived there.
Soooo sad to hear about this.
RIP Tom and Michele
Prayers and Hugs on a very sad day!😓
So many memories!💕
I was crying for many hours straight and to come home hearing that my grandparents were dead I was shocked in disbelief and I usually go there on tuesdays I got a call from my mom saying that I had to go home and not there I knew something was up so now I cant go there anymore
Jullian: No one will ever know why this happened….cherish the memories you have of your grandparents and remember their love for you. Wishing you and your family prayers for the days to come.
Jullian..I’m so sorry you’ve had to go thru this..Please try to remember the good times you all had. Give yourself some time..Time heals wounds. Prayers to you and your family.
Jullian and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. This is such a heartbreaking and terrible tragedy. As the others have said, please try to hold on to the good memories and take comfort in them. Sending you and your family prayers.