UJ
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Authorities announced the arrest of a 34-year-old man on Tuesday evening in relation to the deaths of four individuals discovered earlier that day in a residence in Bowdoin, Maine.
The murders seemed to be linked to a series of highway shootings nearby that resulted in three drivers being injured—one of whom is in critical condition—shortly after the discovery of the four deceased individuals, according to state police.
The suspect in custody has been named Joseph Eaton by the Maine State Police.
Eaton was transferred to Two Bridges Regional Jail and is scheduled for an initial court appearance later this week, as stated in a news release by state police. Officials indicated on Wednesday that, for now, Eaton faces charges solely related to the killings.
As of now, UJ has not been able to locate legal representation for Eaton.
“Investigators will continue to process multiple scenes throughout the night and conduct interviews with individuals involved in this incident,” state police mentioned in their release.
Police have yet to disclose any information regarding a potential motive for the two incidents and have withheld details about the four victims found deceased in the residence.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Governor Janet Mills expressed, “Like many others in Maine, I am shocked and deeply saddened by today’s acts of violence, which shake our communities to their very core.”
Responding to the Bowdoin residence early Tuesday morning, Maine State Police discovered four victims inside, as reported by state police Lt. Randall Keaten during an earlier news conference.
Soon after the initial discovery, authorities began to receive reports of multiple vehicles being struck by gunfire on I-295 near Yarmouth, situated approximately 40 minutes from Bowdoin.
State police confirmed that three individuals were shot while driving and subsequently transported to the hospital, with at least one reported in critical condition by Tuesday.
“We have received reports of vehicles being struck by gunfire, so anyone who discovers bullet holes in their vehicles should contact us to assist with follow-up,” Keaten stated.
Lt. Keaten confirmed that the victims found in the Bowdoin home and those involved in the highway shootings are interconnected, assuring that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The four deceased individuals have been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where autopsies will be carried out to determine the cause and manner of death, according to state police.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or possesses information regarding Tuesday morning’s events to come forward.
“A significant amount of activity occurred this morning across those two locations, and we are eager to speak with those who were affected by this situation,” Keaten remarked, emphasizing that authorities are diligently working to investigate multiple scenes and gather further information.
