MSP Makes Arrest in Skowhegan Homicide

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta has ruled the death of a woman in Skowhegan a homicide following an autopsy conducted as part of an ongoing Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central investigation. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Nichole Jackson of Skowhegan. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be blunt force and sharp force trauma, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Based on information developed during the investigation, Maine State Police identified Jackson’s boyfriend 55-year-old Dane Burke of Skowhegan as a suspect in her death. Burke was believed to be traveling in a 2018 silver Jeep Compass with Ohio license plates.

On January 17, 2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, the vehicle was located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Local law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply, resulting in a pursuit. Massachusetts State Police joined the pursuit, which continued into New Hampshire.

The pursuit ended in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree on Route 13, just north of Barnard Road. Following the crash, Burke barricaded himself inside the vehicle. The New Hampshire State Police SWAT Team responded and ultimately took Burke into custody at approximately 10:30 AM.

Burke was transported to Concord Hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. He was arrested on a Maine warrant charging him with murder and will remain in New Hampshire custody pending his return to Maine. Once released from the hospital, Burke will be transported to a New Hampshire jail.

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional updates will be provided when appropriate.