BOWDOIN, Maine — Following a shooting spree this week that ended with four people dead and three injured in Bowdoin and Yarmouth, family and loved ones are starting to share their memories of the victims.
Patricia Eger — Patti to friends — had a beautiful spirit, infectious personality, and dedicated much of her time to the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food Pantry, where she was known for her taco soup and love for scrapbooking.
Patricia Eger and with her husband, Robert Eger, were found dead in their Bowdoin home Tuesday, along with their friends, Cynthia Eaton and David Eaton. The Eatons' son, Joseph Eaton, has been charged in the killings. Police said he admitted to killing his parents and the Egers and carrying out the Yarmouth shooting.
"She was loving," Priscilla Higgins, a friend of Patti's, said. "She was supportive. She'd bake for the bake sales, she'd do a fundraiser, and donate all the money to [the pantry]."
Friends also describe Patti as being helpful.
"If somebody was going through something on their own — I know, me personally, I had an accident where I was laid up for quite a while, and Patti came to the house, offered if I needed anything," Barbara Feely recalled.
Another friend, Debbie Hill, recalled the last moment she had with her friend.
“I had to leave," Hill said. "It was time, and [Patti] said to me, ‘Love you Deb,’ and I said, ‘I love you too.' Those were her last words to me. It made me kind of happy.”
Community members are also thinking about Paige Halsey, 25, who was in critical condition from the shooting in Yarmouth. Officials reported she's improving as she continues to receive treatment at Maine Medical Center.
“She is one of the nicest, sweetest people you’ll ever meet,” Liam Kent, who has known Halsey since middle school, said. “She always had the biggest smile on her face. I hope she gets to smile again. We all are really rooting for her.”