Bangor, Maine Man Sentenced for the Brutal Murder of His Friend

A Bangor man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the brutal murder of a friend.

Bangor, Maine, Man Receives Lengthy Sentence for the Death of His Friend

Gary Brinson was arrested in December 2024 and charged with murder for the death of Lee Ruona, 64, also of Bangor.

He was found guilty of murder in February, 2026.

Police say the two men were friends who lived in the same building, in separate apartments.

They often spent time together, sharing drinks and conversation, to forget their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Bangor, Maine, Man Often Drank With the Friend Prosecutors Say He Killed

Brinson told authorities that the day Ruona died, the two had been drinking heavily, consuming bourbon and beer.

Over the course of the investigation, Brinson's story changed.

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Originally, he told investigators that Ruona had left his apartment alive.

But later, he would change his story, telling the police that they had argued over his pocket knives. He said he remembered slapping Ruona, but didn't remember anything after that.

Bangor, Maine, Man Receives Lengthy Sentence for Brutal Murder of a Friend

According to WABI-TV, Ruona's body was found deceased in Brinson's apartment.

He had been stabbed multiple times and beaten.

Police said when they entered the apartment, Brinson sat near the body, drinking and watching television.

On Tuesday, Gary Brinson, 71, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

His attorneys say they plan to appeal.