Maine Man Gets Life Sentence For Killing His Parents and Friends, Just Days After He Was Released From Prison
A man who confessed to murdering his parents and their two friends, and injuring three drivers on a Maine highway shortly after being released from prison has been sentenced to life in prison.
Joseph Eaton, 35, received his sentence this week for the killings of his parents, Cynthia Eaton, 62, and David Eaton, 66, along with their friends Robert Eger, 72, and Patricia Eger, 62.
These tragic events took place in Bowdoin, Maine, near Portland, in April 2023.
Eaton pleaded guilty to charges that included four counts of murder and aggravated attempted murder.
The families of the victims spoke about the profound impact the violence has had on their lives.
Kristina DeRaps, married to Patricia Eger’s nephew, expressed her grief, stating, “He killed the only four people in this world who actually loved and cared for him,” according to The Associated Press.
She described Eaton as "a selfish little boy."
In court, Eaton apologized, saying, “I wake up every day regretting what I did.”
He acknowledged that a life sentence was deserved and added, “Honestly, I think I deserve worse,” as reported by the local ABC affiliate, WMTW.
Eaton’s defense lawyer, Andrew Wright, expressed his bewilderment at the case, describing his client as “a kind and compassionate and emotional and empathetic” man despite the horrific acts.
Wright called the incident “a senseless act that makes no sense to anyone involved,” labeling it a tragedy.
The horrifying case came to light on the morning of April 18, 2023.
Patricia Eger’s sister, worried about not hearing from her, went to their home on Augusta Road in Bowdoin.
She discovered one of the bodies and immediately called 911, according to an affidavit.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found the Egers and Cynthia Eaton shot dead inside the home.
David Eaton’s body was discovered in a barn on the property, and a dog had also been killed.
Authorities determined that the victims had been shot the previous day.
Inside the house, investigators found an unsigned note on the kitchen island.
The note mentioned someone being molested and not receiving help, expressing a desire to be freed from pain and start a new life, according to court documents.
While the police were still investigating the quadruple homicide, a 911 call reported shots fired at multiple vehicles on an interstate approximately 20 miles away.
Law enforcement from several agencies responded quickly.
Four vehicles had been hit by gunfire, with three family members in one car hospitalized.
Innocent bystanders were also caught in the crossfire, as a relative later told the AP.
Eaton was captured near an interstate exit ramp close to his parents’ rental home.
A motorist had spotted him standing in the middle of the road, waving his hands with blood on him, according to the affidavit.
He admitted to the murders and the highway shootings, claiming he fired at the vehicles because he thought police were following him.
Joseph Eaton had been released from Windham Correctional Facility on April 14, 2023, just days before the murders, after serving a sentence for aggravated assault.
His mother had picked him up from the prison and brought him to stay with them in Bowdoin.
Adding a chilling note to the timeline, Law&Crime reported that a man believed to be Eaton posted on Facebook the same day he was released from prison, expressing his gratitude and saying, “It’s finally over. There are so many people I can’t wait to see.”
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