Homicide on Passamaquoddy reservation under investigation as tribal leaders condemn killing

One Man Killed in Passamaquoddy Reservation Shooting; Suspect Arrested on Murder Charge

A shooting on the Passamaquoddy reservation in Washington County left 41‑year‑old Cory Fields dead and led to the arrest of Jeremy Stevens, who faces a murder charge.

The incident occurred Saturday night at 312 Peter Dana Point Road, just before 9:30 p.m. Indian Township police and fire crews arrived on the scene, found the body of Fields—who lived on Indian Island—and called for additional assistance. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit and its evidence response team later conducted a forensic investigation, which culminated in the arrest of 46‑year‑old Jeremy Stevens of Motahkomikuk (the reservation’s Indian Township).

Stevens was taken to the Washington County Jail in Machias and was booked on a murder charge. Jail personnel confirmed Monday that he would be held without bail.

Fields’ body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy concluded that he died from gunshot wounds. The examiner’s report classified the death as a homicide.

A friend of Fields’ told reporters that the roofer was a “kind and caring father” who enjoyed music and the outdoors. Becky Saulnier of Dedham described Fields as “shocked to hear about his death,” adding that he had always been a supportive presence in his community.

Tribal leaders responded to the tragedy as well. Chief Amkuwiposhehs “Pos” Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, Chief William Nichols Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, and Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation issued a joint statement on Sunday evening. The chiefs urged patience as investigators work to determine what happened and expressed deep condolences to Fields’ family. “We recognize that no words can take away the pain of losing someone you love. Please know that you are held in the hearts of our Nations,” the statement read.

The Passamaquoddy Reservation at Motahkomikuk, also called Indian Township, houses about 760 residents according to census data. It is one of the tribe’s two reservations in Washington County; the other is at Sipayik (Pleasant Point). Responders from the Passamaquoddy Tribal Warden Service and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office also arrived at the scene on Saturday.

The investigation remains active, with state and tribal law enforcement coordinating closely as they seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.