In Gray, Maine, a horrific sequence of events unfolded as a passenger, in a tragic bout of violence, claimed the lives of his mother and another motorist before taking his own life, according to state police on Thursday.
The violent incident took place in Sabattus, central Maine, on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities report that the 29-year-old assailant, identified as James Davis III, was being driven by his mother, Christine Smith, who was 47 and also from Sabattus. While on this drive, Davis fatally shot Smith and then exited the vehicle to target passing motorists, the police report explained.
Katherine Williams, aged 53, another Sabattus resident, lost her life due to the shooting spree. In addition, two other individuals, Tyson Turner, 19, from Jay, and David Wilson, 35, from Hartford, sustained injuries. Both wounded individuals were quickly transported to Central Maine Medical Center where they are reported to be recovering.
Further details emerged about Davis’s unstable behavior throughout the day, as recounted by Maine State Police Colonel William Ross. Davis had displayed erratic actions earlier at his father’s residence and was reportedly armed with a .357 revolver, an AK-style rifle, and possibly more firearms. It was revealed that his family had attempted to reach his mother repeatedly throughout the day, hoping she could pacify Davis during his distress.
By late Wednesday, when Davis met with Smith, he turned the revolver on her while she was driving. According to Ross, the relationship between Davis and his mother adds a domestic complexity to the incident.
After taking his mother’s life, Davis proceeded to indiscriminately fire upon passing vehicles with the rifle. Tragically, this led to Williams, driving alone, becoming an additional victim in this tragic turn of events. Known affectionately as Kay, Williams was the heart of her community, serving as a kitchen manager in two schools in Litchfield, where she left a positive imprint with her remarkable rapport with staff and students. Superintendent Katherine Grondin issued a heartfelt statement, expressing the deep sorrow and loss felt within the school community.
Ultimately, Davis concluded the spree by taking his own life. First responders pronounced Smith dead at the scene, while Williams succumbed to her injuries at Central Maine Medical Center. Turner and Wilson, though injured, are on the path to recovery.
As investigations continue, state police disclosed that they had no previous interactions with Davis that could have foreshadowed such a violent eruption. All deceased victims have been transported for autopsies at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, as confirmed by Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for Maine State Police.