A Maine man charged with the murder of his estranged wife changed his plea to guilty and received what likely amounts to a life sentence.

David Gaudreau, 60, was charged with the May 2024 murder of 59-year-old Dale Gaudreau when he turned himself in to police hours after the shooting.

Dale Gaudreau had left her husband a week before he ended her life and was in the midst of a legal separation, according to local ABC affiliate WMTW.

On May 28, 2024, David Gaudreau trailed his wife home from her job in his truck, collided with her vehicle, and fired multiple shots at her, according to prosecutors. The Maine State Police reported that the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nearby residents heard gunshots at approximately 7:00 p.m. that night, as stated by local CBS affiliate WGME. One individual mentioned hearing what they thought were “fireworks and kids,” only to soon comprehend it was actually Dale Gaudreau’s cries as she was being shot.

A couple living nearby heard two vehicles speeding past their house on the night of the incident, according to statements given to the previous local NBC affiliate WCSH. The husband described a scene where it appeared a gray pickup was on the outside lane and a sedan was in the inside lane. As they aligned, he noticed the windows were rolled down and wondered what was happening.

The terrified onlooker said he then “heard about seven shots.”

The investigation and clean-up at the crime scene led to the closure of Route 108 in Peru, Maine until the next morning, which in turn led to school closures the following day.

In a statement on Facebook after the incident, the Maine State Police stated David Gaudreau reached out to “several family members” admitting to shooting Dale Gaudreau. Shortly after 11:30 p.m. that same night, he surrendered to law enforcement. He was subsequently detained in the Oxford County Jail on a murder charge.

David Gaudreau was visibly emotional, “sobbing” during his initial court proceeding after the incident, as WGME reported. During the session, he lamented, “What have I f—ing done?” while continuing to weep.

The since-condemned man initially pleaded not guilty to murder, but changed his plea to guilty. He was sentenced on Friday to 45 years in prison.