If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TTY 1-800-437-1220. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
NEW SHARON, Maine — The murder-suicide that took the life of a New Sharon woman was the third domestic murder in the same family, authorities in the state said.
Maine State Police said Jessica Dapolito, 42, was killed by gunshot Robert Dapolito, 55, on Monday in their New Sharon home. Robert Dapolito then killed himself, police said. The two were longtime domestic partners, and Jessica had taken Robert’s last name.
Dapolito’s mother, Michelle Masse, and her brother-in-law’s late wife, Kelly Winslow-Dapolito, were also victims of domestic homicides, WGME-TV reported.
Robert Dapolito’s brother, Patrick Dapolito, was convicted of the 2010 shooting and killing Kelly Winslow-Dapolito. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison.
Thomas Masse, Jessica Dapolito’s father, killed Michelle Masse and himself in a murder-suicide two years ago.
Victim advocates in the state, including the head of Safe Voices, said the killings are a chilling lesson in the importance of encouraging people who suspect domestic violence to speak up.