BANGOR – Philip Scott Fournier was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Friday in a nearly 40-year-old slaying that many thought would never be solved, News Center Maine (WCSH-WLBZ) reported.
A judge found Fournier, 57, guilty in February of killing 16-year-old Joyce McLain. McLain disappeared while she was out jogging near her East Millinocket home in 1980, and her body was found two days later.
Fournier’s defense argued that Fournier’s memories, which played key roles in the prosecution’s case, were not reliable. One defense lawyer said doubts will linger in the case even after conviction and sentencing. There was no physical evidence that tied Fournier to the crime scene.
Fournier was charged with the crime in 2016, 36 years after it occurred.
The judge heard testimony from McLain’s family and friends.
Fournier, who goes by Scott, spoke for the first time throughout the course of this case, News Center Maine says.
Fournier maintained his innocence and did not apologize to the family of Joyce McLain. Instead, he said he doesn’t remember anything from the night of Aug. 8, 1980. Fournier has a traumatic brain injury from a car accident that same day. He also said he had a drinking problem at the time, but has since gotten help. He said he hasn’t had a sip of alcohol since 1984.
“It sounds like Joyce was a wonderful person,” he told the court. “I have proven that I was not involved in Joyce’s murder.”
Fournier’s family and lawyers say he plans to appeal this decision. He has already asked his attorney to file an appeal.
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