Lubec man accused of killing girlfriend arrested in Virginia

The discovery of a deceased woman believed to be from Lubec in the trunk of a car at Bailey's Mistake has led to the arrest of her boyfriend on a charge of murder. The body, believed to be of 58-year-old Eva Cox, was found on Tuesday, January 11, following a search by numerous law enforcement agencies. Investigators then sought an arrest warrant for her boyfriend, 65-year-old Paul DeForest, who was located and arrested without incident in Virginia.
On Monday, January 10, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies had received information about an altercation that happened at Cox's home at 69 Jim's Head Road on Bailey's Mistake. When deputies arrived at the residence they discovered evidence outside the home that led investigators to believe something suspicious happened at the residence. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit was called in to investigate. Officers began looking for Cox and DeForest, who lived there with Cox. A search warrant was prepared, and members of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit and Evidence Response Team began processing the scene to look for information that would help them locate the occupants and determine what happened at the residence.
On Tuesday, January 11, a larger search was organized that included Maine State Police, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maine Marine Patrol and Maine Warden Service. A warden service plane and a State Police K 9 were also utilized in the search around Cox's home. That investigation led to the discovery of a female victim found deceased locked in the trunk of a car that was located nearby the residence. The victim has not been officially identified, but it is believed to be Eva Cox. The official identity will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner when an autopsy is performed in the coming days.
During the investigation, additional information was obtained that led investigators to seek an arrest warrant for murder for DeForest. He was found to be at a residence in Warrenton, Va. Members of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Department responded to that residence and negotiated with DeForest over the phone to come out of the residence, which he did after a short time. DeForest was arrested without further incident. DeForest will be held on a fugitive from a justice warrant.
Cox was originally from Lubec, a daughter of Calvin "Coochie" and Vivian Case. She had lived away for quite a few years, including in New Hampshire and Ellsworth. A relative, Joanne H. Case of Lubec, recalls, "Eva was a very, very strong woman who worked hard all her life. She brought up a daughter single-handedly and has a grandchild." Case adds, "She was a very hard-working lady. She certainly didn't deserve the end she got."
DeForest had come to Lubec quite a few years ago and had constructed homes out of old barns. He had been back this past May but also had a place in Texas where he was planning to stay for the winter.