Trial Wrapping Up For Man Charged With Killing Deputy

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Closing arguments are expected in the trial of a Maine man who's accused of killing a sheriff's deputy by pressing a gun to his neck and pulling the trigger.

Both sides agree that John Williams fired the fatal shot. At issue at the trial that wraps up Monday was Williams' state of mind.

The defense contends the defendant's drug use and lack of sleep left him too impaired to form the necessary intent to commit murder.

Cpl. Eugene Cole was shot when he tried to arrest Williams during a late-night encounter on April 25, 2018, in Norridgewock.

The 61-year-old Cole was the first Maine police officer to be killed in the line of duty in nearly three decades. His killing led to a massive manhunt that ended with Williams' arrest.