Augusta Man Convicted of Murder for Death of Girlfriend

An Augusta man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in 2013, was convicted Thursday in an Ellsworth courtroom.

The jury found 41-year-old Justin Pillsbury guilty for the death of 24-year-old Jillian Jones in an Augusta apartment. Prosecutors say Pillsbury killed Jones in a jealous rage during an alcohol-fueled fight over her communication with another man.

Pillsbury's attorney called it self-defense, saying that their client killed Jones when she attacked him with a knife. Neighbors in the apartment building told police they heard an argument that night. The crime scene was discovered by a roommate who found Jones dead and Pillsbury unconscious with what police say were self-inflicted stab wounds.

The jury deliberated for 3 1/2 hours before delivering the guilty verdict.