Jason Goucher Hewett sentenced to 4 years in prison for 2024 fatal shooting in Cushing, after Alford plea.

Jason Goucher Hewett, 41, of Augusta, was sentenced to four years in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of Kyle MacDougall, 45, in Cushing, after pleading guilty to manslaughter via an Alford plea, maintaining innocence but acknowledging prosecutors could prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The sentence, part of a 14-year plea deal with 10 years suspended, includes four years of probation and a ban on illegal drugs. The shooting occurred during a dispute over drugs, money, and alleged truck damage at a trailer. Hewett led police on a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph before barricading himself in a vehicle, an act cited as an aggravating factor. Two others have previously pleaded guilty to lesser charges. MacDougall’s sister spoke during sentencing, calling the incident part of a larger drug epidemic and urging Hewett to change his life.