AUGUSTA, Maine — A local man was sentenced Thursday at the Augusta Judicial Center to 50 years in prison for stabbing his girlfriend to death nearly three years ago, according to the Maine attorney general’s office.
Justin Pillsbury, 41, of Augusta was convicted in March of murder by a Kennebec County jury, according to a previously published report.
At the trial, jurors rejected Pillsbury’s testimony that he, in self-defense, stabbed Jillian Jones, 24, to death Nov. 15, 2013, in the Augusta apartment they shared.
The prosecution maintained he repeatedly stabbed Jones after he learned she’d been talking on the phone with another man.
Assistant Attorney General Donald Macomber on Thursday recommended Pillsbury serve 55 years in prison. Defense attorney Stephen Smith urged Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy to impose a 30-year sentence.
“We are grateful to the court for such a significant sentence for this heinous crime,” Macomber said Thursday in an email. “Domestic violence has to end in our state, and this case is a prime example of why. The family spoke eloquently about how much impact Jillian’s death had on them, and our hearts are with them.”
Smith said Thursday in an email that the case would be appealed to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
“What occurred between Justin Pillsbury and Jillian Jones was a tragedy, not a crime,” Smith said. “Justin did kill Jillian in self defense. He loved Jillian and is sorry she is dead and at his hand — but it wasn’t murder.”
Pillsbury has been held without bail at the Kennebec County Jail since his arrest two days after Jones’ death. That time will be applied to his sentence.
He faced between 25 years and life in prison.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.