Eighteen-year-old Gage Zachary Cassen of Derry, New Hampshire, was found dead behind the Dollar General on Wilton Road in Milford on November 7, 2024. The deputy chief medical examiner, Mitchell Weinberg, ruled the death a homicide, citing a single gunshot wound to the chest as the cause.

Cassen had attended Pinkerton Academy and worked for two years at Trash King, a junk removal company. Friends and family described him as having a big heart and a contagious smile; his employer and childhood friend, Tyler Farmer, said Cassen had been working hard and growing more serious about his Christian faith. At the time of his death Cassen faced criminal charges, including two felony counts of theft by unauthorized taking in Salem and a contempt charge for an alleged failure to appear before a Hillsborough County grand jury.

The New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit is investigating; no arrests or suspects have been announced, and investigators have not said whether the shooting was targeted or random. If anyone knew Gage, saw activity behind the Milford Dollar General on November 7, or has other information, please come forward.