12/19/12 - An Oakland County Circuit Court jury has found 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of his mentally ill mother. The court received a note from the jury Tuesday morning indicating that it reached a verdict. Prior to it being read aloud, Judge Leo Bowman advised everyone in the courtroom to maintain proper decorum for the integrity of the system. When questioned by Judge Bowman, a jury spokesman indicated that the verdict reached finding Pyne guilty of the lesser offense of 2nd degree murder was unanimous. 51-year-old Ruth Pyne was found dead on May 27th, 2011 inside the garage of the familyâs home in Highland Township. Prosecutors said Pyne killed his mother because he was tired of dealing with her mental illness and abuse. Defense lawyer James Champion called the case a "rush to judgment" and said a stranger or a jilted lover likely killed her. Prosecutors requested that bond be cancelled for Pyne, which Bowman granted before setting a sentencing date for Tuesday, January 29th. Under state sentencing guidelines, he faces up to 30 years in prison. (JM/JK)
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