Search warrants in the fatal shooting of Mikayla Rose DeSantis by boyfriend Austin Doucette uncover a pattern of alleged emotional and physical abuse in their relationship, according to new reports. DeSantis, 23, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest on March 8 after the incident in Carrabassett Valley.
In the ongoing investigation into the March 8 shooting at the Left Bank condominiums in Carrabassett Valley, Maine—previously detailed in initial coverage—Maine State Police have released search warrant information revealing a troubled history in the relationship between Austin Doucette, 24, and Mikayla Rose DeSantis, 23.
The couple, who dated since 2018 after meeting in Connecticut and relocated to Maine in 2024 to work at the Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort, faced allegations of abuse from friends, family, and coworkers. Warrants obtained by the Bangor Daily News include accounts of Doucette berating and belittling DeSantis. A coworker reported receiving derogatory messages from him and threats of physical harm. Another witnessed him shove her twice, though she minimized it. A manager noted DeSantis confiding that Doucette grabbed her arm and later requested schedule changes to avoid his days off. She also covered his credit card debts, leaving herself financially strained.
Doucette maintains the shooting was accidental, as stated in prior 911 calls and interviews. An autopsy clarified DeSantis's death as resulting from a single gunshot wound to the chest, not multiple as initially reported. Doucette faces a murder charge.