LETTER | Stick to the facts? Sure, let’s try that

August 23, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver

Editor:

In a letter to the editor published August 17, Mr. Jake Hawkins called me a liar, because I said several Mainers had died at the hands of people in this country illegally. (Immigrant Killers? Let’s stick to the facts; Biddeford Gazette)

It’s important to remember, there are those who will use insults when they lack facts.

Here are the facts Mr. Hawkins was either unable or incapable of finding on his own.

These are the three most recent deaths of Mainers at the hands of illegals.

April 26, 2024: Gloria Cascio was killed and her husband was critically injured when they were hit on the Maine Turnpike by a car driven by Oguzhan Cildir, a Turkish national in America illegally. More than two years have passed and still no charges have been filed in this case.

On Aug. 15, 2025, Elizabeth Camacho was run over while walking on the sidewalk in Lewiston by a car driven by Lionel Francisco (in this country illegally). Elizabeth Camacho died at the scene. They have decided not to pursue criminal charges against him related to Elizabeth Camachos death.

On August 16, Mukendi Mbiya (in this country illegally) ran over hit Stacy Strattard, while she was in a crosswalk in New Gloucester—she too died at the scene. He was arrested by ICE days later. Following legal challenges regarding his detention (including Mbiya v. Noem), a federal court granted a writ of habeas corpus and ordered his release under conditions of supervision in July 2026. Another illegal who has killed a Maine citizen yet continues to walk around freely.

You just can’t make this [expletive] up!

Mr. Hawkins, never let the facts get in the way of a good rant.

Scott Eccleston | Old Orchard Beach

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