On Aug. 21, 2004, the coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, was rocked by a tragedy that left a lasting scar on the community. On an otherwise quiet Saturday morning, Chellie Calloway and Sally Murray were brutally murdered in the presence of Chellie’s young children by their father, John Dilley. Their lives were cut short in a senseless act of violence, and the news of their deaths sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving residents in a state of grief and disbelief. Dilley was later convicted of the double manslaughter of his estranged wife and mother and is serving a 60-year sentence at Maine State Prison. 

Chellie Calloway, a beloved resident and teacher, and Sally Murray, a dedicated nurse, were well-known and respected in Boothbay Harbor. Their sudden and violent deaths were not only a profound personal loss to their families and friends but also a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of domestic violence. The investigation revealed a harrowing tale of control, manipulation, and escalating violence that culminated in this tragic event. 

The murders of Calloway and Murray were a wake-up call for the residents of Boothbay Harbor. The community, known for its tranquility and neighborly bonds, was plunged into mourning. Candlelight vigils were held, and memorials were erected in honor of the two women whose lives were stolen too soon. The sense of collective grief was palpable, but so was a rising tide of outrage. 

In the wake of the tragedy, the community's sorrow and anger galvanized into action. Residents came together with a common goal: to ensure that no one else would suffer the same fate as Chellie Calloway and Sally Murray. An emergency community meeting was organized with Steve Rowe, the then-Attorney General of Maine, alongside advocates from New Hope Midcoast, the local DV Resource Center. AG Rowe provided an overview of laws surrounding domestic violence, assisted by Holly Stover, who was working for the Department of Health and Human Services at the time. AG Rowe also introduced a Workplace Violence Policy he had created for the Maine Office of the Attorney General and later for all employees in Maine State Government. 

At the meeting, there was consensus among attendees who wanted to continue to meet and discuss the prevalence of domestic violence in the community. Peggy Pinkham, the then CEO/President of St. Andrews Hospital, stepped up to host the first meeting. It was at this meeting that the group, along with advocates from New Hope Midcoast, decided to continue to meet, and the Domestic Abuse Prevention Council (DAPC) was born from this collective determination. 

The DAPC was established with a clear mission: to raise community awareness about domestic abuse, raise money, and provide support and resources for victims through New Hope Midcoast, and advocate for stronger protective policies and laws. The council aimed to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and foster a community where everyone could feel safe and supported. The council also attended various trainings with community-based organizations and law enforcement  

The DAPC launched numerous initiatives to combat domestic abuse. They raised funds and brought educational programs to Boothbay Region High School aimed at teaching individuals about the signs of abuse and how to seek help. New Hope Midcoast provided support groups for survivors to share their experiences and find solace in a network of understanding peers. The council also collaborated with local law enforcement to ensure that domestic violence cases were handled with the urgency and seriousness they deserved. They also worked with municipal governments to pass the model “Workplace Violence” policy created by AG Steve Rowe, which are still in place today. Jane Good, a local hairdresser and member of DAPC, worked with New Hope to organize and roll out a “Cut Out DV” program, which trains hair professionals to identify domestic violence signs in their workplaces. 

The DAPC made significant strides in transforming Boothbay Harbor into a community that stands united against domestic abuse. While the memories of Chellie Calloway and Sally Murray's tragic deaths continue to haunt the town, their legacy lives on through the council's tireless efforts to protect and empower victims of domestic violence. 

The formation of the DAPC was a beacon of hope in the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy. It serves as a testament to the power of a community coming together to effect change and ensure that the loss of two cherished lives was not in vain. Boothbay Harbor, once shattered by grief, stands as a testament to community resiliency and proactive advocacy against domestic violence. 

As we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the unthinkable murders of Chellie Calloway and Sally Murray, let us pause and celebrate the progress we have made in their honor and memory. The work of the Domestic Abuse Prevention Council laid down the framework for one community’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate place for all. We are one community that came together in the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy and worked collaboratively with the Maine Coalition Against Domestic Violence and New Hope Midcoast to create a collaborative community response to domestic violence. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. You can call New Hope Midcoast 24/7 at 1-800-522-3304. You can also reach out to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence at 1-866-834-4357.