Authorities have ruled the deaths of an elderly couple found earlier this week in Tremont as a murder-suicide, bringing a somber conclusion to an investigation that has deeply shaken the small Mount Desert Island community. The Maine Department of Public Safety confirmed that the deaths involved 75-year-old William Hawley and his wife, 78-year-old Jyoti Hawley, both longtime residents of Tremont.
According to officials, the couple was found dead around 8:57 a.m. Tuesday inside their home on Big Rocks Road. Law enforcement responded to the residence after receiving a report that led them to the scene. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation as authorities worked to determine what had happened inside the quiet home.
Shannon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said Friday that investigators have determined Jyoti Hawley’s death was a homicide, while William Hawley’s death was ruled a suicide. Officials confirmed that both individuals died from gunshot wounds. No additional details about the circumstances leading up to the incident have been released.
The ruling has left many in Tremont struggling to process the loss of two familiar faces in such a tragic way. Neighbors described the area as peaceful and tight-knit, making the incident especially shocking. Authorities have not indicated that there is any ongoing threat to the public, emphasizing that the case is considered isolated.
William Hawley was born in Bronxville, New York, and was a respected composer whose work reached audiences far beyond Maine. According to his website, his compositions were performed across the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia. Friends and colleagues remember him as a creative and accomplished musician who dedicated his life to his art.
William and Jyoti Hawley had lived in Maine for many years, building a life together that was largely private. While the investigation has reached its conclusion, questions and sorrow remain for those who knew them. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the hidden struggles that can exist behind closed doors. As Tremont mourns, the community is left reflecting on the lives lost and offering quiet support to one another in the wake of an unimaginable loss.
