19 April 2023 , 19:08
833
0
Four people found dead in a home after a sickening gun rampage have been named and pictured.
Robert Eger, 72, Patti Deraps Eger, 62, Cynthia Eaton, 62, and David Eaton, 66, were all shot dead at a home on Tuesday morning with police saying 34-year-old suspect Joseph Eaton confessed to killing them.
Police have confirmed Joseph Eaton to be the son of Cynthia and David Eaton, who were both found dead at the property.
In a press conference, Colonel Bill Ross of the Maine State Police confirmed that Robert, Patti and Cynthia were all found inside the house in the sleepy town of Bowdoin in Maine - owned by the Egers.
David was found outside in a barn or outbuilding. Police are not yet releasing information as to the type of weapon used.
Tragedy as 13-month-old boy dies after the stolen car he was in crashed
Col. Ross confirmed: "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."
Robert Eger and Patti Deraps Eger were tragically shot dead (Patti DeRaps Eger/Facebook)Continuing, Col. Ross confirmed that Eaton was released from Windham Correctional Center, where he was serving "about two years for aggravated assault."
He said: "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."
Col. Ross confirmed that four autopsies took place on Wednesday, April 19, confirming all four died of gun-shot wounds, and all deaths were ruled as homicides.
Following the shooting of his parents and their friends, Eaton reportedly shot at several cars along the highway, injuring three - with one victim stil in a serious condition in hospital, police confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday, April 19.
The victims, who were shot in Yarmouth, are Sean Halsey, 51, and his two children - Justin Halsey, 29, and Paige Halsey, 25 all from Bowdoinham. Paige is said to still be in a critical condition at Maine Medical Center.
Victim Cynthia and David Eaton (Cynthia Robinson Eaton/Facebook)Col. Ross explained Eaton "confessed to us that he thought the vehicles he shot at were police vehicles following him".
Col. Ross reminded press that it was still an "active investigation", so a lot of details could not yet be released.
Lisa Durell penned an emotional tribute to her friend Patti on Facebook following the tragic news of her death. She wrote: "I'll never understand why this happens. We are all broken.
"I'm going to miss your smile, your laughter, and your friendship. While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil. My thoughts are with her son and family."
Outrage as abandoned baby found in pram on beach, with mum off for a coffee
Mr Eaton, from Bowdoin, a small town about 25 miles south of Maine’s capital, Augusta, has been charged with four counts of murder.
Cops have not revealed a possible motive but revealed due to his multiple violent convictions he was banned from owning a firearm.
(Cynthia Robinson Eaton/Facebook)It remains unclear how he gained access to one.
The incident began in rural Bowdoin, at a house on Augusta Road, where the four bodies were found on Tuesday morning.
Police then received reports of several cars being shot along the highway in Yarmouth.
One of the three highway victims was critically wounded.
Mr Eaton has not been charged in connection to the three other shootings, according to police.
Investigators began searching for the shooter near a wooded area when they found the suspect and arrested the individual.
Police spokesperson Shannon Moss revealed there are still lots of moving parts of the investigation.
She said: “It’s still a very active investigation with a lot of moving parts."
Eaton broke down in tears during the two minute video (Facebook)
In the video posted a day before the fatal attack, Eaton begs for forgiveness (Facebook)Joey Eaton posted a chilling Facebook video the day before the shooting begging for forgiveness.
Addressing the video, Col. Ross said: "We're aware of the video and that's part of our investigation and what all that means.
"Right now, we're in the 'how' phase - how this happened. And I think the 'why' phase, why all of this happened will come later.
"We are aware [of the video] and I don't think we have any further comment."
He said: "Life as a whole is suffering. You work for the duration, you get sick, people you love die, and your [sic] guaranteed to have ‘bad days.’ You die and lose everything you spent your life obtaining. There is more to it than meets the eye. Life is a trial for what is to come.
"Just need to try to forgive me for the things I did. I have been dealing with trauma for a long time on things I don’t talk to people about.
Mr Eaton had reportedly been released from prison just days before the shooting, where he had been serving time for a probation violation, a state official said on Wednesday, April 19.
He was released on Friday, April 14, from the Maine Correctional Centre in Windham, where he had been sentenced in March 2021, said Anna Black, director of governmental affairs for the Mein Department of Corrections.
Investigators work at the scene of the deadly shooting on Augusta Road in Bowdoin (Robert F Bukaty/AP/REX/Shutterstock)He has previously been convicted for felony aggravated assault, domestic violence and violence against a law enforcement officer, according to court records.
The suspect has also served time in prison for possessing a concealed firearm as a convicted felon.
Mr Eaton was last released from prison on February 15, 2021, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.