SKOWHEGAN, Maine — A Somerset County jury deliberated Thursday for less than two hours before it convicted a Palmyra man of murder, according to the Maine attorney general’s office.
Jurors found that Jason Cote, 25, killed Ricky Cole, 47, of Detroit on July 18, 2013, over drugs, Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea, who prosecuted the case, said in a telephone interview Thursday afternoon.
Cote, who testified Wednesday, claimed he acted in self-defense, according to media reports.
“The jury received instructions in self-defense, manslaughter and murder,” she said. “They were out for an hour and 45 minutes and found beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Cote was guilty of murder.”
Defense attorney Stephen Smith of Augusta said the verdict would be appealed to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
“Mr. Cote had every reason to believe his life was in danger,” Smith said Thursday in an email. “We are very disappointed by the verdict and will vigorously pursue an appeal.”
Cole died of multiple blunt-force impact trauma and extensive blood loss, according to a previously published report. Maine state chief medical examiner Dr. Mark Flomenbaum “observed deep internal injuries, including a fractured skull,” the affidavit said.
Zainea said Thursday that Cote beat Cole repeatedly with a piece of pipe, then, once the victim was on the ground, “stomped on his head.”
Bangor Daily News writer Ryan McLaughlin contributed to this report.