CONCORD, NH – A Derry man is dead from a gunshot wound to the back and police are seeking more information.
The autopsy of Gage Cassen, 18, of Derry, was completed by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg who determined the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the back, and the manner of death was homicide.
The investigation into Cassen’s death is ongoing.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati speaking to reporters at the scene said that a firearm was recovered in the parking lot. Ballistic evidence will determine how that gun factors into the chain of events that led to the shooting. The incident happened while the dollar store was still open for business and customers inside, Agati said.
So far, no one has been arrested. Investigators will continue to piece together evidence from the scene as well as from area surveillance cameras, Agati said.
“There is possible surveillance from the store, but also from surveillance on both sides of the store. So whether you’re driving back toward Milford or you’re driving toward Wilton the businesses along those roads, we’re trying to find surveillance from them and we’ve got officers right now that are currently at those businesses asking for what they have available that films their public spaces,” Agati said.
Investigators are also looking into vehicles that left the parking lot before police arrived.
“Now, whether those were customers, whether those were the people that were necessarily involved, we don’t know. So that’s what we’re really trying to identify right now. If somebody was there and heard something and then left because they were scared, that’s very natural. There are a number of people who have come to the Milford Police Department and contacted State Police told us what they saw. We think that there are a few more out there and we’re hoping that we’re going to be able to find them or that they’ll come in today,” Agati said.
Cassen was found dead outside Dollar General, 70 Wilton Road, Milford, after a call came in reporting gunshots in the area. Agati said the incident likely unfolded “within seconds.”
Upon arriving at the address, responding officers discovered evidence of multiple gunshots being fired in the parking lot. Investigators were led to the rear of the property where they found Cassen dead of a gunshot wound.
Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events leading up to the shooting and continue to ask any residents or citizens in the area of the store at the time who have not already spoken with investigators to please contact the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at 603- 223-3856, or via email at MCU@dos.nh.gov. People may also call New Hampshire State Police Headquarters Communications at 603-223-4381.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation.