Maine Father Charged With Manslaughter in Toddler's Freezing Death

Shane McLaughlin, a 37-year-old resident of Milford, now faces criminal charges for the death of his one-year-old daughter. The state Department of Public Safety confirmed his arrest on Wednesday for one count of manslaughter and three counts of child endangerment. The charges relate to the death of Eleanora Ray McLaughlin, which occurred on December 28, 2025.

The case began with a state medical examiner’s autopsy that determined the infant died of hypothermia. McLaughlin was transported to the Penobscot County Jail, where he is held pending his arraignment at the Penobscot County Judicial Center in Bangor. Local authorities have not yet released a schedule for that hearing.

McLaughlin told News Center Maine in December 2025 that he discovered his daughter deceased in their Milford home. He stated that he had been using a space heater in the room where he and three of his children were sleeping. According to his account, a pet opened a door, allowing cold air in so that he could see his breath in the room.

The incident prompted scrutiny from state legislators regarding prior state intervention. In January, State Sen. Jeff Timberlake released a document from the child’s mother, Erika Dupuis, describing the home’s living conditions. Timberlake noted that the document cited unsanitary and unsafe conditions, including a lack of running water. He said at the time, “These poor kids need somebody to stand up for them. I believe that’s our job.”

Dupuis, who moved to West Virginia in the summer of 2025, spoke to News Center Maine in April about the delay in legal action. She described herself as angry and upset that her estranged husband had not yet been charged. Dupuis left her children with McLaughlin in Maine when she relocated.