Nearly 30 Shots Ended Two Lives (Image Credits: 2.gravatar.com)
Limington, Maine – A 26-year-old local man faced two consecutive life sentences plus 30 years behind bars for gunning down his mother and her partner before torching their shared home.[1][2]
Nearly 30 Shots Ended Two Lives
On June 17, 2021, Matthew Cote grabbed a semiautomatic rifle and fired close to 30 rounds at Cheryl Cote, his 47-year-old mother, and her 45-year-old boyfriend Daniel Perkins inside their Hardscrabble Road residence.[2][3] Prosecutors portrayed the attack as deliberate and methodical, with Cote then dousing the house in accelerant to conceal the bodies. A passing retired firefighter noticed smoke billowing from the property and alerted authorities. First responders discovered the victims’ remains amid the flames, confirming the pair had died from gunshot wounds before the fire ignited.[1] Hours later, police pulled Cote over while he drove his mother’s Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The sheer volume of gunfire underscored the ferocity of the assault, leaving the small community stunned. Investigators quickly zeroed in on Cote as the sole suspect living in the household.
A Confession That Shocked Investigators
Cote wasted little time admitting his actions to officers. “Once I snapped, I couldn’t stop and I emptied the whole magazine,” he declared upon arrest.[4] Later, in an overheard jailhouse phone call, he boasted about having “blasted the nasty [expletive]” referring to his mother, and explained he set the fire “to hide the nasty bodies because I didn’t want anyone to see them.” He added that he had “just lost it” and anticipated consequences, saying “I knew this was coming.”[4]
After the killings, Cote reportedly spent time at the beach, a detail that prosecutors highlighted to demonstrate his calculated mindset. These statements formed the backbone of the case against him, painting a picture of rage unchecked.
Insanity Plea Falls Flat in Court
The trial unfolded over more than a week in York County Superior Court in Biddeford, beginning in January 2026. Cote entered pleas of not guilty and not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, with defense attorneys citing his diagnoses of schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder dating back to before age 16.[3] They described a traumatic upbringing marred by alleged abuse and tension in the home, including a confrontation where Cheryl grabbed his gun as he prepared to leave.
Prosecutors countered that Cote’s post-crime behavior proved he understood his actions’ gravity. The jury deliberated into the evening of January 23, convicting him on two counts of intentional or knowing murder and one count of arson while rejecting the insanity defense and manslaughter options.[3] Defense lawyer Thomas Connolly vowed to appeal both the verdict and the impending sentence.
Family Pain Echoes Through Sentencing
Superior Court Justice Richard Mulhern imposed the penalties on February 27, 2026, acknowledging the emotional toll on attendees who endured graphic trial evidence. “These individuals sat through every day of testimony and saw pictures of their loved ones’ shattered bodies,” the judge noted.[2] Cote must also pay $3,348 in restitution to a victims’ fund.[1]
Impact statements revealed deep wounds. Daniel’s daughter Hannah Perkins shared, “Every day, I grieve my father, who was murdered by Matthew Cote,” while cherishing memories of his life lessons and guitar playing. Cheryl’s relatives, including sister Christine LaBrecque and niece Alyson, recalled her nurturing spirit through puzzles, outings, and advice, insisting her death did not define her. Cote’s sister Brianna pleaded for mercy, saying she loved him and did not blame him, while aunt Megan DiDonato urged consideration of his lost stability. Cote himself expressed remorse: “I’m just very sorry, and I apologize to everybody.”[2]
- Crime date: June 17, 2021
- Victims’ ages: Cheryl Cote, 47; Daniel Perkins, 45
- Shots fired: Nearly 30
- Trial verdict: January 23, 2026
- Sentence: Two life terms + 30 years
Key Takeaways
- A jury dismissed mental health defenses despite documented schizophrenia and PTSD.
- Cote’s beach outing post-murders undermined claims of total mental collapse.
- Family divisions surfaced, with victims’ kin seeking justice and Cote’s pleading compassion.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how buried family tensions can erupt catastrophically, leaving irreversible scars. What do you think about the insanity defense’s role here? Tell us in the comments.
