PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center-Man awaiting trial for quadruple homicide in Maine withdraws insanity plea

2025-05-02 14:08:12source:Zopes Exchangecategory:Markets

PORTLAND,PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center Maine (AP) — A man charged with killing his parents and two of their friends days after being released from prison in Maine no longer intends to use an insanity defense.

Through his lawyer, Joseph Eaton withdrew a plea of “not criminally responsible” because of mental illness but maintained a plea of not guilty in a court filing earlier this month in Sagadahoc County.

His attorney didn’t elaborate on the decision in the Dec. 8 document but noted that it means a forensic report on criminal responsibility will remain impounded. The attorney’s office was closed Wednesday and he didn’t return an email.

Law enforcement officials say Eaton confessed to the killings at a property in rural Bowdoin and to wounding three people while shooting at vehicles on busy Interstate 295 in Yarmouth.

Killed in the shootings were Eaton’s parents, Cynthia Eaton, 62, and David Eaton, 66, along with their longtime friends, Bowdoin homeowners Robert Eger, 72, and Patti Eger, 62, officials said.

Eaton has been jailed since his arrest on April 18, the day the bodies were discovered. He was arrested near the chaotic scene along the highway.

Eaton previously told the Portland Press Herald, which first reported the change in plea, that he was not in control when he opened fire.

More:Markets

Recommend

Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting

Theresa Mercado's 11-year-old daughter, Maleyah, recalled making tea with some friends one time when

The 15 craziest Nicolas Cage performances, ranked (including 'Sympathy for the Devil')

He’s got an Oscar and was one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 1990s. What we love most about N

More than 80 private, parochial schools apply to participate in new voucher program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — More than 80 private and parochial schools in Arkansas have so far applied