PORTLAND, Maine — The lawyer for a man who’s serving a life sentence for killing a deputy is arguing the trial judge made mistakes in allowing the man's confession and in imposing the maximum sentence. Defense lawyer Verne Paradie repeated his contention to the state supreme court Tuesday that John Williams was sleep-deprived, experiencing drug withdrawal and fearful after being beaten by officers when he confessed.
He also contends the trial judge didn't given adequate weight to mitigating factors in imposing the maximum sentence.
Prosecutors say Williams was angry over his girlfriend’s arrest and wanted to avoid going to jail himself when he shot Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole on April 2018 in Norridgewock.
Prosecutors say the execution-style killing warranted the maximum sentence.
