Olivia Babin, a 20-year-old woman from Maine, is facing a charge of negligent manslaughter in the death of her boyfriend, Daniel Ford-Coates, on April 2. The incident occurred in Bangor, where Ford-Coates died from a gunshot wound to the forehead after Babin reportedly pulled the trigger during a prank gone wrong. Newly obtained Nest doorbell video allegedly captures Babin screaming at the victim, who was mortally wounded, repeatedly saying, “You’re not dead!” Witnesses heard in the video expressed shock and horror at the situation unfolding before them.
After the shooting, Babin allegedly asked those present what to do, with a witness exclaiming, “Oh, f—.” Babin then reportedly disposed of the gun in a river, changed her clothes, and called 911. Prosecutors accused her of providing false information to responding officers, which was contradicted by witnesses and the video evidence. A friend of the couple revealed to police that Babin had taken Ford-Coates’ gun and removed the magazine with the intention of scaring women in the downstairs apartment during the early morning incident. Unfortunately, there was a round in the chamber, and the fatal prank took a tragic turn.
The autopsy conducted on Ford-Coates revealed contact burns on his skin, indicating the point-blank nature of the shot that took his life. The death was subsequently ruled a homicide due to the circumstances surrounding the incident. Reports suggest that the group had been using drugs and alcohol prior to the shooting, contributing to the tragic outcome. Babin is currently in custody at the Penobscot County Jail on $100,000 bail, scheduled to appear in court on June 10 for further proceedings related to the case. The severity of the charge and the evidence against her paint a grim picture of the events that led to the loss of life in a moment of reckless and irresponsible behavior.
The details emerging from the case shed light on a disturbing and senseless act of violence fueled by a prank gone horribly wrong. Babin’s actions leading up to and following the shooting paint a picture of confusion, panic, and ultimately, negligence in handling a deadly weapon. The disregard for safety and the consequences of her actions resulted in the tragic death of her boyfriend, leaving behind a grieving family and community seeking justice for the victim. The presence of video evidence capturing the events as they unfolded adds a chilling layer of reality to the circumstances surrounding the shooting, providing a glimpse into the chaos and shock that followed the fatal gunshot.
The legal proceedings following the incident are set to determine the accountability and consequences for Babin’s actions, with the charge of negligent manslaughter carrying significant weight in light of the tragic outcome. The role of drugs and alcohol in the events leading up to the shooting raises questions about the influence of substance use on decision-making and behavior, highlighting the dangers of impaired judgment when handling firearms. The testimony of witnesses and the video evidence will likely play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events and Babin’s culpability in the death of her boyfriend, adding complexity to an already heartbreaking situation.
As the case moves forward through the judicial system, the community and loved ones of the victim await answers and seek closure in the pursuit of justice for Daniel Ford-Coates. The profound impact of his untimely death reverberates through the lives of those who knew him, underscoring the devastating consequences of reckless actions and the importance of responsible firearm use. Olivia Babin’s fate hangs in the balance as she faces the legal repercussions of her actions, navigating the complexities of a case that has left a community in mourning and a family grappling with the loss of a loved one. The tragic outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the irreversible consequences of impulsive and dangerous behavior in possession of lethal weapons.
