Joseph Eaton, appearing in court, was sentenced to life in prison for killing his mother and father, Cynthia Eaton and David Eaton, and their friends Robert Eger and Patricia Eger. (Courtroom screenshot and victims’ photos from WCSH/YouTube)
A man who admitted to killing his parents and their two friends and wounding three drivers on a highway in Maine days after his mother picked him up from prison has been sentenced to life behind bars.
Joseph Eaton, 35, learned his fate this week in the deaths of his mother and father, Cynthia Eaton, 62, and David Eaton, 66, and their friends Robert Eger, 72, and Patricia Eger, 62, at a home in Bowdoin, Maine, near Portland, in April 2023. He received his punishment after pleading guilty to charges including four counts of murder and aggravated attempted murder.
The Victims’ Families Voices
The victims’ families talked about the lasting effects the bloodshed had on their lives. He killed the only four people in this world who actually loved and cared for him
, said Kristina DeRaps, who is married to a nephew of Patricia Eger. DeRaps called Eaton a selfish little boy.
Eaton’s Regret
The defendant apologized during sentencing. I wake up every day regretting what I did
, he said. Of his life sentence, he added,I honestly think I deserve more. All I can say is, I’m sorry.
A Senseless Act
Eaton’s defense lawyer, Andrew Wright, described him as baffling:a kind and compassionate and emotional and empathetic
man despite the violence.This is a senseless act that makes no sense to anyone involved
.
The Timeline of Events
The case came to light on April 18, 2023. Patricia Egers’ sister—concerned she hadn’t heard from her—went to the home on Augusta Road in Bowdoin, Maine, found one of the bodies, and called 911. Deputies found the Egers and Cynthia Eaton shot dead inside the home. David Eaton was found dead in a barn on the property with a dog also killed.
An Unsigned Note Revealed
On the kitchen island lay an unsigned note that mentioned someone having been molested and stating there was nothing done about it. The note referred to someone being freed of pain and wanting a new life.
The Interstate Shooting Incident
The case took a big twist when a 911 call came in about shots fired at multiple vehicles on an interstate about 20 miles away during the quadruple homicide investigation. Law enforcement from several agencies responded.
He confessed to investigators that he killed his parents and their friends and fired at the vehicles on the highway thinking police officers were following him.
A History of Violence
Joseph Eaton was released from Windham Correctional Facility just days before the killings after serving a sentence for aggravated assault. His mother met him at the prison and brought him to Bowdoin to stay with the Egers.
A Tragic Ending
The tragic event continues to have a profound impact on those left behind.The hardest part was telling my nephew he’s murdered and convincing my mind that they didn’t suffer
, Patti Eger’s brother Peter DeRaps said during the trial proceedings.
Follow Us
