A Maine man, Joseph Eaton, confessed to killing his parents and two of their friends before going on a shooting spree on Interstate 295. His lawyer has announced that Eaton plans to enter pleas to resolve his criminal case. Eaton, who had dropped his insanity defence last year, is expected to settle his four murder indictments and other charges during an upcoming change-of-plea hearing. Prosecutors have not commented on any potential plea agreement.

The murders took place at a rural Bowdoin property, where Eaton's parents, Cynthia and David Eaton, and their friends, Robert and Patti Eger, were staying. Eaton also confessed to shooting three additional people on the highway shortly after his release from prison. He has been in custody since his arrest in April 2023. The tragic event led to the death of a family dog, resulting in an additional charge of animal cruelty.

Following the incident, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck described the shootings as "an attack on the soul of our state." The motive behind Eaton’s actions remains unknown. An unsigned note found at the crime scene mentioned seeking a new life and freedom from pain. Eaton, with a criminal record across several states, claimed in jailhouse interviews that he did not understand his behaviour during the shootings.