Man caught channel surfing with dead friend nearby learns his fate

A 71-year-old man in Maine is expected to spend his remaining years imprisoned for the killing of his close friend, after stabbing the 64-year-old multiple times and leaving the body just steps away from where he was watching television in his apartment when officers arrived.

Judge Ann Murray of Penobscot County ordered Gary Brinson to serve a 35-year sentence in a state prison for the murder of Lee Ruona, as reported by Bangor Daily News reported. 

The ruling followed a February jury verdict that found Brinson guilty of murder.

Both were veterans, sharing not just a residence but often gathering to drink and momentarily escape their PTSD, according to the ABC affiliate WMTW based in Poland Spring reported. 

On the night of December 3, 2024, it is documented that the pair consumed over a gallon of bourbon and more than 20 beers before Ruona's death occurred.

While speaking at the sentencing hearing, Ruona's sister, Erin Macstravic, addressed the court, reportedly showed sympathy towards Brinson but labelled him a "ticking time bomb" and urged Judge Murray to impose a life sentence.

"I extend my sympathy to Mr. Brinson's family, yet I'm here to firmly request that [Brinson] never rejoin society," she expressed. 

"By his own admission, Mr. Brinson can become violent when intoxicated. His alcohol-driven violent episode has taken Lee [Ruona] from us forever. His issues with alcohol make him a ticking time bomb that tragically detonated my family."

The deceased victim's daughter, Courtney Ruona, expressed much harsher sentiments towards the convicted individual.

"I'm engulfed by grief, regret, and an endless hatred for Gary Brinson," she reportedly stated in court. "I'll only find peace when he no longer shares the air my father once did. He deserves to suffer in hell, both in this life and any afterlife."

Though prosecutors had called for a more severe punishment, they acknowledged the court's decision was effectively akin to a life sentence, as WABI reported.

"I believe a 35-year sentence properly fits the heinous act of taking Lee Ruona's life. Mr. Brinson has shown no accountability, hasn't expressed remorse, and even made contemptible remarks about a man he considered his best friend," commented assistant attorney general Leanne Robbin after the sentencing. 

"He mentioned he thought of disposing of the body in a dumpster or among the homeless. He seemed displeased with the officers wanting to conduct a search warrant and gather evidence because he just wanted to return to his apartment, which was at that juncture covered in blood, to enjoy his favorite TV program. This sentence ensures he can never repeat this with anyone else."

When questioned by the dispatcher if he was responsible for Ruona's death, Brinson allegedly denied involvement, saying, "Why would I harm my best friend?"

An officer who was among the initial to respond testified during the trial, stating that upon entering the premises, Brinson was found seated with a bottle of bourbon in hand, watching television "in close proximity" to his friend's lifeless body.

An autopsy by a medical examiner reportedly uncovered Ruona had nearly 150 minor surface-level punctures and deeper wounds at his back. 

The examiner also discovered a broken spine alongside fractured ribs. Ruona's death was classified as a homicide, with the cause being multiple injuries from sharp and blunt force trauma.

Nevertheless, the following day, Brinson reportedly conversed with detectives from his hotel room, making statements like "They've got me, I've done it, I'm headed to jail." The room he occupied was funded by the department, as Brinson's home was being treated as a crime scene.

His defense lawyer argued on the grounds that Brinson was likely too intoxicated to have acted with intentional purpose, a necessary aspect for an intentional murder conviction.