18-Year-Old From Derry Fatally Shot In Parking Lot Of Milford Store

MILFORD, NH — Milford police and New Hampshire State Police Major Crime responded to the scene of a fatal shooting in the parking lot of Dollar General in Milford.

Police responded to the location on Wilton Road at about 8:26 p.m. on Thursday for reports of gunshots outside the store, which is located at 70 Wilton Road. Responding officers arrived to find evidence of multiple gunshots in the parking lot.

Further investigation led them to the rear of the property, where they discovered a deceased man who appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound. Sources indicate the man was found near the dumpster on the left side of the building. However, no official information has been released to the exact location.

The victim, identified as Gage Cassen, 18, of Derry, was transported to Concord to the Office of New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy was performed Friday by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg. Weiberg determined the cause of Cassen’s death was a single gunshot wound to the chest and the manner of death was homicide.

Senior Assistant Benjamin Agati said the incident was “over in seconds,” and although the investigation is ongoing, it does not appear to be random. Multiple people were involved, but the exact number is unknown at this time.

One firearm was recovered at the scene. It is unknown if more than one weapon was involved and who may have fired it. Ballistic evidence recovered at the scene is being analyzed.

As of late Friday morning, Agati confirmed no one was in custody, although there did not appear to be a threat to the public. He urged everyone to take standard safety precautions they would do on a regular basis.

The Dollar General store was open at the time of the shooting, however no employees from the store appear to be involved in the parking lot incident. Agati went on to say that police have spoken to many witnesses but know there were people at the location at the time of the shooting that left before police arrived. He urged those people to contact investigators and shared some may have left in fear of their safety which is a normal reaction.

Friday morning, state police Major Crime investigators were seen collecting evidence and taking photographs inside and outside the store.

Three ballistic evidence markers could be seen taped to the side of the building, where it appears there was damage caused by bullets.

At the entrance to the parking lot, several vape-related items in sealed packaging lay on the ground next to an evidence marker. After investigators photographed the items, they were collected and placed in evidence collection bags.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who was in the area of Dollar General at 70 Wilton Road in Milford or who may have seen or heard the gunshots and has not yet spoken with authorities is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at 603-223-3856 or via email at MCU@dos.nh.gov. Tips can also be submitted by calling New Hampshire State Police Headquarters Communications at 603-223-4381.

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