Share this @internewscast.com

PORTLAND, Maine — A man charged with killing his parents and two of their friends days after being released from prison 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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cincinnati mayoral candidate, VP Vance's half-brother, slams city leadership after brutal beatdown

Cincinnati Mayoral Contender, Half-brother of VP Vance, Criticizes City Officials Following Violent Assault

CINCINNATI – A contender for Cincinnati’s mayoral position criticized the city’s administration…
Arkansas police release sketch drawing in search for killer at Devil's Den State Park

Arkansas Police Unveil Sketch in Hunt for Killer at Devil’s Den State Park

In Little Rock, Arkansas, police have reported that the individual responsible for…

Illinois Heat Wave: Air Conditioning Problems Lead to Rush Hospital ER Diverting Ambulances During Chicago Heat Advisory

CHICAGO (WLS) — An air conditioning problem caused a prolonged bypass at…
Active shooter report prompts massive police response in midtown Manhattan business district

Large Police Presence in Midtown Manhattan Business District After Active Shooter Alert

At least six individuals were injured by gunfire on Monday, and the…
Romeoville teen Langston Britton from Community Christian Church remembered after Silver Birch Ranch drowning in White Lake, WI

Remembering Langston Britton, Romeoville Teen from Community Christian Church, After Tragic Drowning at Silver Birch Ranch in White Lake, WI

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — A planned five-day trip to a church camp…
Armed Marine veteran stops Michigan Walmart stabbing suspect

Marine Veteran with Firearm Halts Suspect in Michigan Walmart Stabbing Incident

An armed bystander was recorded on video heroically intervening to stop a…
Couple killed at Arkansas' Devil's Den State Park 'died heroes protecting their little girls,' family says

Family Claims Arkansas Couple Who Perished at Devil’s Den State Park Were ‘Heroes Saving Their Daughters’

The couple who lost their lives over the weekend at Arkansas’ Devil’s…
Jet plane flying low over a crowded beach.

Frightening Scene as Tourists Shout While Fighter Jet Performs Daring Low Flights and Aerobatics above Spanish Beach

THIS is the terrifying moment tourists screamed in horror as a fighter…
Youngsters' firepower poses tricky trade deadline call for Mets

Youthful Talent Forces Difficult Trade Deadline Decision for Mets

SAN DIEGO — Since the All-Star break, the standout narrative for the…
Federal agents 'stormed the cockpit,' removed Delta co-pilot after flight landed at San Francisco International Airport

Federal Agents Enter Cockpit, Remove Delta Co-Pilot Following Flight’s Arrival at San Francisco Airport

SAN FRANCISCO — A routine Delta flight turned anything but ordinary after…
Severely malnourished child held by a woman.

Viral Image of Gaza Boy Misused for False Claims by Hamas, Say Campaigners

A PHOTO seemingly showing a starving boy in Gaza was “hijacked” by…
Screenshot of a video showing a person filling bottles with petrol, along with a van and a pickup truck.

Alarming Scene: Suspected Arsonist in Turkey Caught Filling Bottles with Gasoline Amid Wildfires That Claim 4 Lives; Warnings of a ‘Dangerous Week’ Ahead

THIS is the chilling moment a man who allegedly sparked a devastating…