Brooke McLaughlin

Developing: Teen Boyfriend Identified as Killer of 14-year-old Maine Girl, Police Say

A Maine teen has been identified as the murder suspect after police found a young girl dead in her Mount Vernon home earlier this month.

According to Central Maine, officials identified 15-year-old Aidan Grant as the suspect in connection with the death of Brooke McLaughlin, 14. Court documents indicate that Grant’s Facebook page claimed he had been in a relationship with the victim since February.

Police said Brooke’s mother found her dead on July 18 inside their residence off of  Blackberry Road. An autopsy report stated the victim died from homicide, but court documents are currently sealed in the case. Investigators declined to comment on how and why the victim died.

Grant was arrested and transported to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in Portland, according to Bangor Daily News. A car was reportedly stolen from the driveway at Brooke’s home, but it’s unclear whether the suspect has been charged with auto theft.

Brooke McLaughlin/Facebook

Staff members at Maranacook Community Middle School described Brooke as a “feisty, independent and loyal,” with a love for her bearded dragon.

“She’d talk about her trips to the pet store to buy crickets for the bearded dragon and her vet visits with the bearded dragon and how impressed the vets were with the health of the animal,” the dean of the school, Rick Sirois, said. “I didn’t even know bearded dragons went to the vet, so there were always interesting conversations with Brooke.”

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Featured image: Brooke McLaughlin/Handout]