SABATTUS, Maine – A tragic shooting incident on Route 9 in Sabattus has left three people dead, according to Maine State Police officials.
The incident unfolded when 47-year-old Sabattus resident Christine Smith was driving on King Road and was fatally shot by her 29-year-old son, James Davis III, near the intersection of Middle Road. After shooting his mother, Davis proceeded to exit the vehicle and began firing at passing cars, including one driven by 53-year-old Katherine Williams, who tragically lost her life as a result of the gunfire.
In addition to Williams, two other drivers, 19-year-old Tyson Turner and 35-year-old David Wilson, were also shot but are expected to survive their injuries after being transported to a local medical center. The shooter, James Davis III, ultimately took his own life following the incident.
Investigations revealed that Davis had spent time at his father’s Sabattus home earlier that day and was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Armed with a .357 revolver and an AK-47 rifle, he had brought additional firearms to the residence. Davis’s erratic behavior prompted family members to contact his primary caregiver, Christine Smith, who then arranged to take him to see his mother.
Upon meeting on Birchwood Drive, Davis entered his mother’s vehicle where he proceeded to fatally shoot her before using the AK-47 rifle to target passing vehicles on Route 9. While authorities confirmed no prior interactions with Davis, the community remains in shock over the tragic events.
The bodies of the victims have been taken to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination. Superintendent Katy Grondin highlighted Katherine Williams’ role as the food service manager at local elementary schools, emphasizing the impact of her loss on the community.
The Maine State Police and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the community seeks to come to terms with the devastating loss of life.