Joseph Eaton: Disturbing note reveals possible motive for quadruple murder in Maine

The note expressed similar sentiments to those shared in a rambling Facebook video that was uploaded by Eaton a day before the killings
UPDATED APR 21, 2023
Joseph Eaton, 34, has been arrested in connection to multiple shootings in Maine on April 18, 2023 (Two Bridges Regional Jail)
Joseph Eaton, 34, has been arrested in connection to multiple shootings in Maine on April 18, 2023 (Two Bridges Regional Jail)

BOWDOIN, MAINE: A disturbing note has provided some insight into a possible motive behind the recent quadruple murder in Maine. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Bangor Daily News, a chilling note discovered at the Maine residence where Joseph Eaton allegedly killed his parents and their friends sheds light on a possible motive for the brutal murders.

According to authorities, an unsigned note was found at the murder scene on the kitchen island, indicating that someone had been molested, "but there was nothing done about it." The note mentioned a desire to be "freed from pain." The affidavit also describes the gruesome crime scene where Cynthia Eaton, David Eaton, Robert Eager, Patricia Eager, and the family dog were shot to death by the 34-year-old suspect.

ALSO READ

Dadeville mass shooting: Students killed at Alabama 'Sweet 16' party had 'very bright future'

Connor Sturgeon: Louisville bank shooter penned 13-page manifesto outlining 3 motives for shooting

'Being molested and stuff, you know, it destroys somebody'

The note found by investigators expressed similar sentiments to those shared in a rambling Facebook video that was uploaded by Eaton a day prior to the murders. "Being molested and stuff, you know, it destroys somebody," the man in the video said. He also criticized Christians who are "unwilling to forgive."

Joseph Eaton's public cry for help

A day before the shootings, Eaton went live on Facebook begging for forgiveness. "Going to try to go through this, but I’m going to get emotional just talking about it, but a lot of people looking a [me] like There’s just another fuck up, another guy that can’t get his stuff right…" he said in a Facebook live post on Monday, April 17. "They claim to be Christian, but you can’t forgive somebody or understand what they go through. You can’t give someone a second chance but you say you’re Christian. Now does that make sense?" he continued, without saying who exactly he was talking about.

According to Eaton's arrest affidavit, Patricia Eager's sister discovered the victims' bodies on Tuesday morning, April 18, at a Bowdoin, Maine home. The sister had noticed blood on the front steps and walked into the home, where she found a gruesome scene with a bloodied body on the kitchen floor and two others elsewhere in the house. The house was filled with broken glass and bullet holes, and guns were scattered throughout. A fourth body was later discovered in a barn on the property.

Eaton made his court appearance on Thursday, April 20, where he was charged with murder for the killings of his parents and their friends. The police say he may also face additional charges as they investigate his alleged involvement in shooting three people on a Maine highway on Tuesday.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Before his shocking arrest, Manuel Rocha served under both Democratic and Republican administrations during his 25-year diplomatic career
Dec 4, 2023
Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the authorities' awareness, prompting a demand for a $1M settlement for William Vannasap's injuries
Dec 3, 2023
Annette Pershal was shot multiple times with a pellet gun and her injuries were non-survivable, said authorities
Dec 2, 2023
Christina Riggs became the 18th woman in the US to be executed and was the youngest woman to be put to death at just 28
Dec 2, 2023
A fire, initiated posthumously, has raised suspicions as Griffiths was found shot but the autopsy showed no signs of smoke inhalation
Dec 2, 2023
As per the lawsuit, Gabby Petito's parents allege that Brian Laundrie's parents knew about their daughter's death along with the location of the crime
Dec 2, 2023
Jeremy is 5’11, weighs 245 lbs., has brown hair that is greying, green eyes and a greying beard
Dec 1, 2023
Jovannie Vega is accused of picking up the little boy and slamming him down onto the floor multiple times
Dec 1, 2023
'I feel bad for the families because I know exactly what they're going through,' said Mark Jacobo, whose son was killed in a firearm incident
Dec 1, 2023