A Maine man found guilty of gunning down his landlord 'execution style' was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday.
Randal J. Hennessey shot his landlord, Douglas Michaud Jr., multiple times on Michaud's front porch in 2021, the Press Herald reported. Michaud's partner, Jamie Wakefield, who was pregnant with their now 3-year-old son at the time, witnessed the murder. Wakefield shared in court that Michaud was attempting to evict Hennessey following a dispute.
Superior Court Justice Richard Mulhern agreed with prosecutors who called Michaud's death an "execution," and condemned Hennessey's claims of self-defense, stating he "lied on the stand" and sought to portray himself as a "co-victim" with the Michaud family.
"He alone is responsible for the loss the Michaud family has suffered," Mulhern said.
Michaud's family, attended the sentencing, many wearing T-shirts honoring Michaud's memory. Wakefield had asked the judge to impose a life sentence, thinking of the day she would have to explain to her son what happened to his father.
"Give me the chance to tell him that justice was served," she implored.
Michaud was shot five times in the back and once in the back of his head, according to court documents.
Prosecutors argued that Hennessey's actions were premeditated and motivated by anger over the impending eviction. Contrary to Hennessey's claims of self defense, Michaud's autopsy did not indicate signs of a struggle.
After the sentencing, Wakefield expressed relief, saying she now has "a little bit more faith in humanity." Michaud's family and friends gathered outside the courtroom to honor his memory, celebrating the life sentence as justice served.
