On the night of September 27, 2024, gunfire on Foss Street in Biddeford, Maine, ended the life of 46-year-old Gene A. Dares. First responders found Dares with gunshot wounds just before 11 p.m.; he was pronounced dead at the scene and the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by gunshot wounds. Responders also noted his pockets turned inside out and a backpack containing drug paraphernalia nearby.

Investigators say the shooting grew out of a staged drug deal. Prosecutors allege that 57-year-old Linda Lambert arranged a meeting between Dares and 45-year-old Garret Labonte, who had a long-standing dispute with Dares. Authorities contend Lambert bought the firearm used by Labonte because he was prohibited from possessing one, and the gun was later recovered from the Saco River.

On October 28, 2024, police arrested Labonte and Lambert without incident at a South Street residence; Labonte was charged with murder, felony murder, and robbery, and Lambert was charged with felony murder and robbery. Gene Dares is remembered by his family as a loving father to three daughters with an infectious smile. If anyone knew Gene, his movements that evening, or has information about the meeting on Foss Street, please come forward.