MSP Investigating Murder-Suicide in Tremont

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 8:57 AM, Southwest Harbor Police responded to a 911 call about an incident near 11 Big Rocks Road, Tremont. The caller reported finding two deceased adults at the scene. Members of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North responded and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths with coordination with Southwest Harbor Police. Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team were dispatched to the scene and worked to process available evidence. 

The deceased were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta so autopsies could be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation has led investigators to believe that the deceased are 78-year-old Jyoti Hawley of Tremont and 75-year-old William Hawley of Tremont. Jyoti and William Hawley were husband and wife.

On Friday, December 26, 2025, autopsies were performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where the cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds for both people. The manner of death for Jyoti Hawley was ruled a homicide. The manner of death for William Hawley was ruled a suicide. The MSP has identified all involved parties, and the MSP believes this is an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North at 207-973-3700, extension 9, and request to speak with Detective Dana Austin. Information related to this case may also be submitted to the Major Crimes Unit North via an online tip portal. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/report-crime/major-crimes-unit-north