Maine Police Honor 3 Who Aided in Arrest of Double Murder Suspect

Westbrook Police honored three residents who aided in the apprehension of a man suspected of killing two parents in front of their kids last year.

Three Individuals Were Honored For Their Bravery

William Westbrook, Jeffrey Sprague, and David Morin received the Westbrook Police Department's 2023 Citizens Award for their quick thinking and courage in a dangerous situation.

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The Trio Help Apprehend an Armed Suspect in a Frightening Situation

On June 19th, 2023, a horrific crime left two children without parents and a community shocked and saddened. Westbrook Police responded to the 800 block of Main Street just before 8:30 that night for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they witnessed a man shooting a woman near a vehicle in a parking lot off Bridge Street. Further investigation would lead police to find a man's body in the vehicle's front seat. He had also been shot. In the backseat were the couple's 11-year-old boy and 7-year-old girl, who had witnessed the deaths of their parents. Officials say the suspect had fired at the children, as well, but neither was hit by gunfire. The victims were identified as Brittney Cockrell, 37, and Michael Hayter, 41, both of Westbrook.

The gunman, who was later identified as Marcel Lagrange, Jr., 24, of South Portland, ran down Main Street in the direction of the Armory apartments. Lagrange allegedly physically assaulted a bystander, 75-year-old Fred Roukey of Westbrook, but was tackled, apprehended, and disarmed by three bystanders. Those Good Samaritan citizens were Westbrook, Sprague, and Morin.

Maine's Chiefs of Police Also Honored the Citizens

In a post on the Westbrook Police Department's Facebook page, officials commended the trio for their help:

The actions of these three was nothing short of brave and heroic.

Along with the Citizens' Award, the three were honored with an award at the Maine Chiefs of Police Banquet.