A Maine man who shot and killed his parents and their friends before shooting at cars on I-295 was sentenced today.

The murders occurred in 2023 in Bowdoin, Maine

Joseph Eaton took a plea deal in connection with the bizarre series of events that began with the fatal shooting of Eaton's parents, 62-year-old Cynthia Eaton and 66-year-old David Eaton, and their friends, 72-year-old Robert Eger and 62-year-old Patti Eger. The Egers owned the Bowdoin home where they all lived.

In addition to the murders, 3 people were injured when Eaton shot at their car

While police were searching the crime scene in Bowdoin, they received a report of a person shooting at cars on I-295 in Yarmouth, about 25 miles south of the crime scene. Three people traveling in the same car were injured in the incident: 51-year-old Sean Halsey of Bowdoinham and his two adult children, 29-year-old Justin and 25-year-old Paige Halsey. The Halseys all survived their injuries.

Eaton never actually gave a motive for the attacks, but a note was found at the scene that spoke of someone being “released from pain” and that the writer of the note wanted a new life. He told investigators he shot at vehicles on the highway because he believed they belonged to the police.

Eaton received the maximum sentence for his crimes

Eaton accepted a plea deal that included four counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted aggravated murder. WCSH-TV reported that he was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.