SACO — On July 26, tragedy swept over the city’s downtown.

That was when 33-year-old Joel Smith shot his wife, two children and stepson, then turned the gun on himself in their Water Street apartment.

Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland called the murder-suicide one of the worst cases of domestic violence in Maine’s history.

State Police Sgt. Chris Harriman said 12-year-old Jason Montez and 7-year-old Noah Montez were found dead in their beds in separate bedrooms. Heather Smith, 35, and 4-year-old Lily Smith were found dead and in bed in the master bedroom. Joel Smith was found dead on the floor next to the bed in the master bedroom, with a 12-gauge shotgun by his side, said McCausland. No suicide note was left, according to police. Harriman said the couple had some “domestic issues over financial problems.”

On Dec. 18, an early morning intruder entered the Chabot home at 25 Hillview Ave., according to police reports. Steven Chabot, 55, and house guest, Rachel Owens, 55, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, were shot multiple times by the intruder, according to police. Chabot and Owens were taken to Maine Medical Center.

Steven Chabot’s wife, Carol, 55, was not injured.

Saco Police Chief Bradley Paul said police believe the incident was not a random home invasion. The incident is currently under investigation.

In early December, Dirigo Capital Advisors closed a deal with New Hampshire Developer Chinburg Properties for a former mill building, locally known as “Building No. 4.”

Chinburg Properties has plans to develop the building into 150 apartments plus commercial space.

The four-story, 237,600-square-foot building has been abandoned for about 30 years. Officials at Chinburg Properties said they will invest more than $18 million in the former mill building.

In July, Saco became its own school district, after the withdraw from Regional School Unit 23 became official. School board members spent several months preparing for the transition.

BRIDGE:2015, a visioning project for the city of Saco, was launched in the fall. The project gained input from focus groups, an online survey and a community-wide meeting. A report was presented to the city council, and the city will create goals based on the project’s findings.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].