Police are continuing to investigate an apparent murder-suicide discovered over the weekend at this residence in North Waterboro. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune
NORTH WATERBORO – The news of the deaths of a North Waterboro couple, apparently of a murder-suicide over the weekend, shocked and saddened this largely rural community and the surrounding area.
Maine State Police are continuing their investigation into the deaths of Christal Denis and Christopher Denis.
On Sunday, Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said police believe Christopher Denis killed his wife with a shotgun before turning the weapon on himself. Their remains were found at their home on New Dam Road in North Waterboro at about 8 p.m. Saturday by York County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who had been called to the house by relatives of the couple.
Both were 45 years old.
Christal Denis was a member of the Class of 1991 at Massabesic High School. Her parents, Sherri and the late Billy Hanson Jr., operated several businesses over the years and Christal had worked with them. The family has deep roots in York County.
Christopher Denis was raised in Fairfield, and had previously worked as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company.
The couple, who had been married about 10 years, owned Deer Pond Fuel, together with Christal’s mother, Sherri Hanson, who had started the business with her late husband, according to an online history of the business.
Detectives, deputies and evidence technicians worked into the early morning hours of Sunday gathering evidence and conducting interviews, said McCausland.
Autopsies were to be completed later Sunday at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta. Administrator of the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Mark Belserene, on Monday said he is unable to release further information while the investigation is ongoing.
Those commenting on news stories on social media expressed sadness at what had transpired and offered prayers for the family.
“So many broken hears forever,” one woman wrote.
“So close to home,” wrote another.
“This is just so sad,” wrote a third.
According to York County Sheriff William L. King Jr., information available on Sunday showed no indication of past domestic violence calls to the household.
A criminal history for Christopher Denis provided by the Maine Bureau of Identification showed a handful of misdemeanor charges in Fairfield and Lewiston in the early to mid-2000s. Denis was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct in Fairfield in 2002. He was found guilty of reckless conduct in Lewiston in 2005 and given an unconditional discharge. A charge of domestic violence-involved misdemeanor assault was dismissed and a charge of obstructing government administration was filed in connection with the Lewiston case.
McCausland said there have been 12 homicides in Maine since January, seven of which were caused by domestic violence, which can include any family member.
“Typically, half are domestic-violence related,” said McCausland.
Emily Gormley, public awareness and community support coordinator for Caring Unlimited, York County’s domestic violence program, said the agency’s hotline is available to assist when needed.
“Our 24-hour helpline (1-800-239-7298) is available not only for any one experiencing domestic violence, but for any one at all,” she said. “Helpline advocates are a resource for friends, coworkers, and family members as well.”
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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