REMEMBERING MICHAEL

Michael Damian Devine was 12 years old when his life was taken on August 19, 2009, in Gorham, Maine.

Born on October 16, 1996, Michael lived with his family in Windham, Maine, and attended Windham Middle School.

Those who knew Michael remembered him as a caring and thoughtful boy who was always willing to help.

His sixth grade teacher, Nancy Fish, recalled that Michael was often the first student to volunteer when something needed to be done in the classroom, whether it was erasing the board or picking up books.

His school principal remembered him as a quiet, mature young man who was comfortable around adults.

Michael was preparing to enter seventh grade when his life was suddenly taken.

Michael's Story

During the early morning hours of August 19, 2009, Michael was inside a Toyota Highlander with his mother, Karen Devine, at a gravel pit off Mosher Road in Gorham, Maine.

At approximately 5:00 a.m., a firefighter traveling to work noticed smoke rising from the gravel pit.

Firefighters responded and discovered the vehicle engulfed in flames.

After extinguishing the fire, authorities found the bodies of Karen Devine, 41, and her 12 year old son, Michael, inside the vehicle.

Both had died in the fire.

Investigators initially examined whether the deaths had been accidental or intentional.

As the investigation continued, detectives discovered that Karen had mailed four letters to family members and friends on August 18, the day before the fire.

The letters contained money, household budget information, and instructions concerning Michael's burial.

These letters became important evidence in determining what had happened.

On September 9, 2009, Maine State Police announced that investigators had concluded the deaths were a murder-suicide.

Authorities determined that Karen Devine had poured a flammable liquid inside the SUV and intentionally set it on fire while she and Michael were inside.

Michael had no opportunity to escape the violence that ended his life.

He was only 12 years old.

JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL

Maine State Police investigated the deaths of Michael and Karen Devine.

The investigation included examination of the burned vehicle, the circumstances surrounding the fire, and the letters Karen mailed shortly before their deaths.

Investigators concluded that Karen had deliberately started the fire, killing both herself and her son.

Because Karen Devine died in the same incident, no criminal prosecution or trial followed.

Karen Devine

Relationship to Michael: Mother

Finding: Police determined the deaths were a murder-suicide

Conviction(s): None, deceased

Sentence: None

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Michael Damian Devine was just 12 years old.

He was a student who was preparing to begin seventh grade.

His teachers remembered a kind and helpful boy who quietly stepped forward whenever someone needed assistance.

He deserved to return to school that fall, see his classmates, and continue growing into the young man he was becoming.

There should have been more school years, friendships, birthdays, and family memories.

Instead, Michael's life ended in an act of violence committed by the person responsible for protecting him.

His death left his father, John Devine, his teachers, classmates, and community grieving.

Michael should not be remembered only for the tragedy that ended his life.

He was a thoughtful student.

He was a son.

He was a young boy whose kindness made an impression on the people who knew him.

His willingness to help others is one of the memories that remains.

Michael deserved safety, love, and the opportunity to grow up.

His life mattered, and his memory deserves to be preserved.

Abuse Angels remembers Michael Damian Devine.

Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.