A Presque Isle man killed his 14-month-old child before taking his own life following a standoff over the weekend, according to police.

Matthew Leavitt, 35, shot and killed his 14-month-old son, Quinten Leavitt, before he shot and killed himself, according to Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Both died from a single gunshot wound, according to the state medical examiner’s office, which conducted the autopsies Monday.





Police were called Saturday to 728 Reach Road in Presque Isle, McCausland said late Sunday afternoon. When officers went to the home, a standoff resulted.

The Maine State Police Tactical Team and negotiators were also requested and arrived during the night, McCausland said. Early Sunday morning, members of the tactical team went into the house and found two bodies inside.

The case is being treated as a domestic violence murder-suicide and there is no ongoing threat to the public, he said.

State police finished gathering evidence from the Reach Road home Monday, McCausland said.

To reach a suicide prevention hotline, call 888-568-1112 or 800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.