Man ‘killed his parents and two friends before shooting three on highway’ as victims pictured
The victims of a quadruple murder in Maine have been identified and pictured as the gunman’s parents and their two friends.
Joseph Eaton, 34, allegedly killed the four before opening fire on a highway and injuring three others on Tuesday.
The suspect is the son of Cynthia and David Eaton, who were discovered shot dead inside a home in Bowdin, said Maine State Police Colonel Bill Ross on Wednesday afternoon.
‘Mr Eaton was taken by major crimes detective and Portland Police officers where he gave a confession where he admitted to killing his parents and his parents’ friends,’ said Ross.
Along with Cynthia, 62, and David, 66, police identified their two deceased friends as Robert Eger, 72, and Patti DeRaps Eger, 62.
The four were discovered dead in the home owned by the Egers, according to Ross.
Before the shooting rampage, Joseph had been released from Windham Correctional Center, where he served ‘about two years for aggravated assault’, according to Ross.
‘He was picked up on April 14 at the correctional center by his mother, Cynthia, and they drove to the residence in Bowdoin where the murders took place,’ the colonel said.
Shortly after the bodies were found, Joseph allegedly shot three people in their vehicles 25 miles away in Yarmouth, as they traveled south on Interstate 295.
The highway victims have been identified as Sean Halsey, 51, and his kids Justin Halsey, 29, and Paige Halsey, 25. Page is reportedly in critical condition at Maine Medical Center.
Joseph ‘confessed to us that he thought the vehicles he shot at were police vehicles following him’, Ross said.
Autopsies of the Eatons and Egers were conducted on Wednesday.
Police have not yet released details on the type of firearm that Joseph is accused of using.
Joseph was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with four counts of murder. He is expected to make his initial court appearance this week.
The day before the rampage, Joseph posted a video on Facebook in which he begged for forgiveness. It part of the still ‘active investigation’, Ross said.
‘Right now, we’re in the “how” phase – how this happened,’ Ross said. ‘And I think the “why” phase, why all of this happened will come later.’
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