A Bar Harbor man who died by suicide in 2023 likely killed his sister and mother days before, investigators announced on Wednesday.

The bodies of Jean Robinson, 76, and her daughter, Allison “Joy” Cumming, 53, were discovered Dec. 27, 2023, at the Pawsitive Dog Kennel on Red Schoolhouse Road in Farmington, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.

The office of the chief medical examiner found that Robinson and Cumming died from sharp force injuries, and their deaths were ruled homicides, Moss said.

Days later, on Dec. 31, William Cumming Jr., 56, was reported deceased at his residence in Bar Harbor. The Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. 

“Cumming Jr. was the son of Jean Robinson and brother of Joy Cumming,” Moss said. “At the time of his death, the investigation into the murders of Jean Robinson and Joy Cumming was ongoing but suggested that William Cumming Jr. was responsible for both homicides.”

Investigators found there was probable cause to arrest and charge Cumming Jr. with the killing of his mother and sister, had he not taken his own life, Moss said.