SABATTUS, Maine — A sequence of tragic events unfolded late Wednesday afternoon when a Maine man, identified as James Davis III, 29, fatally shot his mother while traveling as a passenger in her car, subsequently attacked other motorists randomly, and finally took his own life, state police officials detailed. The violent spree in the central Maine town of Sabattus resulted in another death and two injuries among uninvolved passersby.
Authorities specified that Davis killed his mother, Christine Smith, 47, also of Sabattus, before the car came to a stop and he began firing at nearby vehicles. Among the victims was Katherine Williams, 53, who was pronounced dead at Central Maine Medical Center. Davis then ended his own life.
The day was marked by distress within the victim’s familial circle, accentuated by an erratic behavior exhibited by Davis at his father’s house earlier that morning. Maine State Police Col. William Ross noted that Davis was armed with multiple firearms, including a .357 revolver and an AK-style rifle. Family members indicated he was undergoing a mental health crisis, though it was not clarified if he suffered from a chronic mental health condition.
Family efforts to reach Smith, who lived with Davis and typically managed to soothe him during prior erratic episodes, were not successful. Col. Ross described the incident as “a very dynamic scene” rooted in a domestic context which tragically spilled over to affect individuals unrelated to the initial conflict.
The casualties extended beyond the family, as Tyson Turner, 19, of Jay, and David Wilson, 35, of Hartford, were also wounded in the gunfire but are expected to survive. Both were traveling in separate vehicles and had no known connections to Davis.
Katherine Williams, the second fatality, was remembered for her contributions to the local community, particularly in education. Superintendent Katherine Grondin described Williams as a dedicated kitchen manager at two schools in Litchfield, where she was known for her impactful relationships with students and colleagues alike. “Her kindness and dedication made a lasting impact on our school community, and she will be deeply missed,” Grondin expressed.
The incident has stirred a lamentable atmosphere in the local area, affecting families and institutions associated with all involved. As police continue their investigation into the motivations and full circumstances surrounding the shootings, the community mourns the loss of life and the senseless nature of the violence.
All three deceased have been transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for autopsies, as authorities work to piece together the precise sequence of events. This incident has notably shaken Sabattus, leaving residents and law enforcement grappling with the aftermath of the violence that has abruptly impacted the usually quiet Maine town.