James Ford, 48, the man suspected in the fatal shooting of Erin Hayne in Windham, Maine, was found dead with what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was discovered on Friday evening after a Maine State Police K9 unit tracked him down.

The Shooting Incident

The shooting occurred around 1:55 p.m. on August 15 at the intersection of Route 302 and Landing Road. Witnesses reported that Ford, driving a white sedan, pulled up alongside Hayne, who was on a motorcycle, and opened fire. Hayne was struck multiple times and later pronounced dead.

Witnesses and Police Chase

A group of witnesses in a truck followed Ford’s car immediately after the shooting. Though they eventually lost track of him, they noted his license plate number, which proved crucial for investigators.

Police later located Ford’s sedan on Route 302 in Raymond, before finding his body nearby with a fatal gunshot wound.

Victim and Suspect Not Connected

Investigators said Ford had no known relationship with Hayne, who was from Casco, Maine. The cause of death was ruled homicide, but authorities have not released any information about a possible motive.

NBC Boston reported that Ford was seen leaving his apartment building shortly before the shooting. Police confirmed he was the sole occupant of the sedan.

Community in Shock

The incident sent shockwaves through Windham, a town of about 18,000 residents in Cumberland County, located roughly 15 miles northwest of Portland.

The investigation into what led to the shooting is ongoing.

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