WESTBROOK – People who knew Matthew Rairdon expressed sorrow and spoke glowingly of him, using words like “gifted,” “humorous,” and “leader,” as plans were made for the 22-year-old murder victim’s funeral this Saturday at the Westbrook High School auditorium.

According to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland, Rairdon was shot in the head and chest early in the morning on Saturday, Nov. 30, by Patrick Milliner, a 30-year-old South Portland man who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after shooting Rairdon. The shooting occurred at Rairdon’s 318 Main St. apartment, and both men died at the scene, according to McCausland.

Because of a prior romantic relationship between the men, Rairdon’s death is classified as a domestic-violence homicide.

Rairdon, a 2009 graduate of Westbrook High School, had recently graduated from the nursing program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and was an emergency room technician at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

While Rairdon’s family has yet to talk publicly about the tragedy, some who knew him spoke this week about the supportive and good-natured attitude he displayed in life.

“Matthew was an exemplary student, encompassing the values that are integral to our college,” said Dr. James S. Dlugos, president of Saint Joseph’s College, in a statement Tuesday. “We are thankful for our time with Matthew, and for what he was preparing to give back to the community as a member of Mercy Hospital’s staff.”

Dlugos said, “On behalf of the entire Saint Joseph’s community, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Matthew’s family, friends, co-workers and extended community.”

While attending the school, Rairdon was a longtime employee of Hannaford supermarket in Westbrook, where his father, Gary Rairdon, is also a department manager.

Gary Rairdon was elected to the Westbrook City Council in November and was absent from Monday evening’s inaugural ceremonies. A moment of silence was held at the event in recognition of the Rairdon family’s loss.

Brittney Mattson of Windham had worked with Rairdon at Hannaford and was also a good friend.

“He was an amazing friend and person,” Mattson said. “He was definitely going places. (It’s) a great loss.”

Mattson said Rairdon was always happy, listened and supported his friends and family.

“He greeted everyone positively,” Mattson said. “He put a smile on people’s faces.”

According to an obituary released Tuesday, Rairdon was a talented actor during high school, participating both in Westbrook High School drama and Reindeer Theater productions.

Louis Philippe, head of Reindeer Theater Company in Westbrook, described Rairdon as likeable, mature and genuine.

“He was a leader,” Philippe said.

Philippe said Rairdon worked well with kids, his peers and adults.

“He shined on every level,” Philippe said. “I can’t imagine what his parents are having to process.”

Rick Solomon, director of Westbrook High School’s theater department, said Tuesday that Rairdon had been a wonderful member of his theater club.

“It’s horribly unfathomable,” Solomon said about Rairdon’s death.

Solomon said Rairdon was kind, generous and talented, was involved in numerous plays, and had won acting awards.

“He was gifted, hardworking and humorous,” Solomon said. “A very talented young man.”

Police say the shooting likely took place early Saturday morning, just after midnight, as Rairdon was returning home from work. A female roommate of Rairdon found the two bodies at about 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Police say the two men were involved in a relationship that had recently ended.

“State police continue to investigate the case and are at the criminal justice academy today interviewing corrections officers who were part of a class attended by Milliner,” Monday’s news release from McCausland stated. “Investigators also will talk with Cabela’s, which is where Milliner purchased the gun on Friday.”

Milliner was a new correctional guard at the Maine Correctional Facility in Windham. He was attending the correctional guard-training program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. A .40 caliber Glock handgun was found by Milliner’s body, McCausland said.

According to McCausland’s update on Monday, investigators say both bodies were found inside the entryway to Rairdon’s apartment and that it appears that Milliner, who was dressed in black winter clothing, probably ambushed Rairdon as he was opening the door to his apartment.

“Investigators will continue to interview friends and family of both men throughout the week,” the release said.

The news release also said that a lengthy Facebook post was left by Milliner and a letter from Milliner was found inside Rairdon’s apartment, but few additional details have been released.

The funeral at the high school begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4-8 p.m., also at the auditorium.

According to McCausland, Rairdon’s death was the state’s 23rd homicide of the year and the 10th homicide that was domestic-violence related.

This is the first case of murder-suicide in Westbrook since April 2009, when Kenneth Taylor stabbed his wife, Belinda Taylor, and then stabbed himself.

Matthew Rairdon

Copy the Story Link