Central Maine Man To Serve 4 Years in Prison For Killing

An Augusta man who once led police on a high-speed chase will spend four years in prison for his role in a fatal shooting in midcoast Maine.

According to an article on the WABI website, 41-year-old Jason Hewett of Augusta pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of 45-year-old Kyle MacDougall of Waldoboro.  The plea came on March 2, the same day jury selection was scheduled to begin in the case.

Hewett entered what’s known as an Alford plea.  That means he acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to likely secure a conviction at trial, but he did not admit guilt and continues to maintain his innocence.

Investigators say MacDougall was shot in the neck in July of 2024 during a confrontation at a home in Cushing.  Authorities say MacDougall had gone to the home to buy drugs, and the situation escalated during an argument.  According to investigators, tensions rose after Hewett believed MacDougall had tampered with his truck and owed him money.

A judge sentenced Hewett to 14 years in prison, with all but four years suspended.  He will also serve four years of probation after his release and is prohibited from using illegal drugs or cannabis.

During sentencing, MacDougall’s sister Amy Robinson told the court she hopes Hewett uses the relatively short sentence as a chance to turn his life around.  She also noted that her brother no longer has that opportunity.

After the shooting, police say Hewett tried to flee, leading officers on a high-speed chase from Windsor to Augusta that at times topped 100 miles per hour.  The pursuit eventually ended when he barricaded himself inside a vehicle for several hours.

Two other men have already pleaded guilty to lesser charges connected to MacDougall’s death.