Shocking Sabattus Tragedy: James Davis III Kills Mother Before Opening Fire on Traffic with AK-47 in a Violent Rampage, Leaving Community in Shock and Law Enforcement Searching for Answers

The quiet town of Sabattus, Maine, has been left reeling in the wake of a horrific and violent incident that unfolded on Wednesday evening, leaving one woman dead and a community shaken. Authorities have confirmed that James Davis III, a local resident, fatally shot his own mother before taking to the streets with an AK-47, indiscriminately firing at passing traffic in a terrifying act of violence.

A Deadly Family Tragedy Turns Into Public Chaos

Law enforcement officials reported that Davis, 34, first turned the gun on his mother, whose identity has not yet been formally released by authorities but is believed to have been his primary caretaker. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots coming from the family home before Davis emerged, armed with a high-powered assault rifle, and began unleashing bullets on unsuspecting motorists.

Multiple 911 calls flooded into emergency dispatchers as frantic residents reported a man in the middle of the road, firing indiscriminately at vehicles near a residential neighborhood. Police arrived on the scene within minutes and were met with gunfire as Davis continued his rampage.

Eyewitnesses Recall a Scene of Terror

One driver, who narrowly escaped the hail of bullets, described the harrowing encounter:

“I was just driving home from work when I saw this man standing in the road with a rifle. Before I even realized what was happening, he started shooting. I ducked down and just hit the gas—I don’t know how I got out of there alive.”

Authorities later confirmed that multiple vehicles were struck, but miraculously, no other fatalities resulted from the chaotic shooting. Several motorists were forced to flee their cars and take cover behind buildings as Davis continued to fire rounds indiscriminately.

Swift Police Response Leads to Arrest

After a tense standoff, law enforcement officers were able to subdue Davis without further casualties. He was taken into custody and is now facing multiple felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Sabattus Police Chief Michael Perry addressed the media, stating, “This was an extremely dangerous and volatile situation that could have resulted in even more lives lost. We are grateful for the quick response of our officers and the cooperation of the community in helping us bring this suspect into custody before more harm was done.”

Community in Mourning

The tragic events have left the small town of Sabattus in mourning, particularly for the victim, who was described by neighbors as a kind and devoted mother. Many residents are struggling to comprehend what could have led Davis to commit such a brutal crime against his own family.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “She was a wonderful woman—always kind, always looking out for her son. I don’t know what happened, but this is just devastating.”

Grief counselors have been made available for those affected, as the community grapples with the emotional toll of the tragedy.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation into what may have motivated Davis’s actions, including whether he had a history of mental health struggles or prior criminal activity. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as they piece together the details of this shocking case.

James Davis III remains in custody at the Androscoggin County Jail, where he is being held without bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for later this week, where prosecutors are expected to push for the maximum penalty under Maine law.

As the small town of Sabattus mourns and recovers from this horrific event, residents are left searching for answers—and hoping that justice will be served.