Maine Man is Sentenced for Killing His Girlfriend in Bridgton

A Maine man who told the court he and his girlfriend "loved hard and fought hard' is going to prison for killing her.

Bridgton, Maine, Man Convicted of Killing his Girlfriend of 15 Years

Eric Knight, of Bridgton, has been awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of depraved indifference murder in the death of Benita Preo, 51.

The two had been in a relationship for at least 15 years, but it was volatile.

Knight was convicted of assaulting Preo in 2019.

The Portland Press Herald reports that just four years later, Preo's body was found in the bedroom of the couple's home on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2023.

An autopsy by the State Medical Examiner showed the cause of death to be strangulation, but also that she had suffered multiple blunt force traumas.

Maine Judge Gives Bridgton Man a Lengthy Sentence for the Murder of His Girlfriend

In court this week, a judge revealed a neighbor reported the death after stopping by and noticing Preo's body in the bedroom, at least 24 hours after the police believe she was killed.

Superior Court Justice Deborah Cashman called Knight's actions a "violent and aggressive act" against Preo, and sentenced him to 48 years in prison for depraved indifference murder.

He's also ordered to pay almost $3,300 in restitution to the state's victim compensation fund.

Knight apologized in court for his role in Preo's death and said they "loved hard and fought hard."

Maine Residents Experiencing Domestic Abuse are Encouraged to Reach Out

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who is concerned about someone who may be is encouraged to seek help immediately.

Call the Maine Domestic Abuse Helpline is 1-866-834-HELP (1-866-834-4357) for confidential support and connections to local resources, 24/7.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), or by texting START to 88788.

Calling 211 will give residents access to a list of resources in their geographical area.

Anyone who feels they are in danger should call 911 immediately.