MECHANIC FALLS, ME – The Mechanic Falls Police have released the identities of a woman and two girls found deceased in a Highland Avenue home over the weekend. Police Chief Jeffrey Goss stated that the victims, namely 7-year-old Hope West and 11-year-old Harmony West, were victims of homicide. She also noted that 37-year-old Jennifer Barney died due to suicide.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, under the Maine Department of Public Safety, revealed Friday that one of the girls was killed by multiple stab wounds and the other had multiple injuries. They have not yet established which victim was stabbed. They are still in the process of positively identifying the three bodies. Barney is believed to be the mother of Hope and Harmony, according to neighbors.
At 3:30 p.m. on July 27, police responded to a report of a stolen U-Haul truck that led to Barney’s residence. A law enforcement officer discovered following an inquiry that Barney was dead. Further investigations led to the discovery of the two deceased girls.
The shocking incident has deeply affected the school community attended by the two girls. Amy Hediger, Superintendent of Regional School Unit 16, posted on Facebook that the community was confronting an “unimaginable loss”. The crisis team of Elm Street School, where the girls were students, is focusing on supporting students and members of the staff during the challenging time.
The Mechanic Falls Animal Control officer took custody of pets found inside the house. An uncle to Hope and Harmony has launched a GoFundMe page to cover the girls’ funeral expenses.