Dark Downeast: The Murder of Ashley Ouellette (Maine) – Episode Summary

Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant and meticulously researched episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of 15-year-old Ashley Willette in Scarborough, Maine. Through a combination of narrative storytelling, interviews with surviving family members, and insights from law enforcement, Lowe paints a comprehensive picture of a case that has haunted the New England community for over two decades.

The Night of February 10, 1999

At just before 4:00 AM on Wednesday, February 10, 1999, Michael Lopez and his mother were driving home when they encountered a lifeless body on Pine Point Road. Michael, trained in CPR, attempted to revive the person, only to discover it was his 15-year-old daughter, Ashley Willette.

[02:16] Kylie Lowe: "It was just before 4:00am... Michael began chest compressions as his mother called 911 from her cell."

Family Background and Community Impact

Ashley was the eldest daughter of Bob and Lisa Willette and had a younger sister, Lindsay. The family was described as loving and dedicated, with Lisa and Bob striving to provide a nurturing environment for their daughters.

[07:33] Bob Willette: "Now I see when a parent says they would walk in front of a train for their child... I wouldn't want anybody to hurt her. She was just so precious."

The news of Ashley's murder sent shockwaves through the tight-knit coastal communities of Scarborough and Saco, leaving neighbors and friends grappling with the loss and the mystery surrounding her death.

The Investigation

Investigators from the Scarborough Police Department and the Maine State Police launched an intensive investigation, conducting over 150 interviews in the first 48 hours. Despite these efforts, Ashley's belongings were never recovered, and her murder remained unsolved.

Last Movements and the Sanborn Family Connection

On the evening of February 9, Ashley stayed overnight at her friend Aliyah Page's house. The following day, she convinced her friend Edwin Hernandez to drive her to the Sanborn residence, where she hoped to see her crush, Steven Sanborn. However, Steven was not available, and Ashley's last known location was at the Sanborn home.

[14:23] Aaliyah Page's Friend: "They asked them all to join the party... and that's where everything happened."

Investigators found inconsistencies in the Sanborn family's statements, particularly from Daniel Sanborn, whose vehicle contained dry grass similar to what was found on Ashley's body.

[20:39] Inspector Douglas: "We found dry brown grass on Ashley's pants... similar to the grass in Daniel's car."

Civil Lawsuit and Legal Proceedings

In response to the lack of progress in the criminal investigation, Bob and Lisa Willette filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Earl and Muriel Sanborn, alleging negligence. The lawsuit aimed to hold the Sanborn family accountable for Ashley's death, asserting that they failed to provide a safe environment.

[40:46] Lisa Willette: "We had a duty to provide a reasonably safe premises and supervise the activities of minors in our home."

However, the lawsuit vanished from public records, raising suspicions about potential cover-ups or obstructions within the legal system. Eventually, the case was dismissed without resolution, leaving the Willette family without closure.

Related Case: The Disappearance of Angel Torres

The episode also explores the mysterious disappearance of Angel Torres in May 1999, just weeks after Ashley's murder. Angel, a 21-year-old college student, vanished after last being seen with a friend named Jay Carney, who was also connected to Ashley's case.

[36:28] Lisa Willette: "Angel turned to Narciso and he said he knew who was involved with Ashley's death."

There are rumors and unconfirmed reports suggesting that Angel possessed crucial information about Ashley's murder, leading to speculation that his disappearance was directly related to the case.

Continued Struggles and Unanswered Questions

Despite numerous leads and community efforts, including a $20,000 reward for information, Ashley Willette's murder remains unsolved. Investigators believe the perpetrator had an intimate relationship with Ashley, but without sufficient evidence, no arrests have been made.

[28:17] Lisa Willette: "The investigation has led to a person and location possibly involved in cleaning Ashley's body before she was left on Pine Point Road."

Impact on the Willette Family and Community

The loss of Ashley and later the passing of Bob Willette from a heart attack in 2001 deeply affected the family. Lindsay Willette, Ashley's sister, recounts the enduring grief and the changes in her personal life resulting from these tragedies.

[50:48] Lindsay Willette: "We live with it every day... there is not a day that I don't wake up without Ashley."

Current Status and Call to Action

Ashley Willette's case is still listed under unsolved homicides by the Maine Department of Public Safety's Unsolved Homicide Unit. Despite a dedicated unit, the case remains open, with the family and community holding onto hope for answers.

Lowe emphasizes the importance of community involvement and urges anyone with information to come forward, highlighting that justice, though delayed, is still possible.

[52:27] Lisa Willette: "Please don't let silence stand in the way of long overdue justice."

Conclusion

This episode of Dark Downeast serves as a compelling and heart-wrenching exploration of Ashley Willette's unsolved murder. Through detailed recounting of events, personal testimonies, and investigative insights, Kylie Lowe honors Ashley's memory and keeps the quest for justice alive.

Notable Quotes:

• Lisa Willette on Duty of Care:
  "They did not hold that reasonable care. The duty of reasonable care extended to providing a reasonably safe premises and a duty to reasonably supervise the activities of minors in their home."
  [40:03]

• Lindsay Willette on Family Support:
  "We have a big family... it was very easy to lean on them when I needed to."
  [50:22]

• Kylie Lowe’s Final Appeal:
  "Justice is inevitable. When it arrives, and it will, you will answer for what you did."
  [52:40]

For those seeking to uncover more about Ashley Willette's case or to provide information, Dark Downeast encourages reaching out to the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit at 207-624-7076 or through the episode's description link.

Stay connected with Dark Downeast on Instagram @darkdowneast for updates and further investigations into unsolved true crime cases in New England.