SOUTH PARIS — Thomas Tellier, 55, was sentenced to 35 years in prison Friday for the 2022 murder of his 27-year-old stepson Nicholas Trynor at their home in Mexico.

Tellier was found guilty of the killing July 24.

Justice Maria Woodman handed down the sentence in Oxford County Superior Court after hearing arguments from prosecutors and Tellier’s defense, and considering victims’ impact statements. Woodman also imposed a fine of $1,873.14, which will go to the Victims’ Compensation Fund.

Tellier’s attorney Tina Nadeau argued that her client wielded a Mossberg 500 pump-action 12-gauge in self-defense following an argument with Trynor, who Tellier thought was wielding a knife, she said. Tellier was a model citizen who loved his family and had never been in trouble with the law, Nadeau said.

Assistant Attorney General Kate Bozeman argued the shooting was premeditated, noting that the man made his disdain for Trynor known and had sent several messages to family that he would like to kill him. 

According to prosecutors, the argument leading up to the shooting crested with Trynor mentioning Tellier’s father. Tellier became enraged. Trynor apologized and ended the argument.

Bozeman said that after the exchange, Tellier left for his bedroom, returned to the hall where Trynor was, raised the gun, and shot Trynor from behind at close range.

Jessica Kelley, Trynor’s mother and Tellier’s wife, was outside with the 4-year-old son she shared with Tellier when she heard the argument settle.

Kelley heard Trynor apologize, then a long silence while Tellier retrieved his gun, followed by a shout of “no,” a gunshot, another shout of “no,” and then the second gunshot, Bozeman said.

Kelley entered the house, found her dying son and held him in her arms. When she asked Tellier to call 911, he angrily responded “no,” Bozeman said.

Kelley made the call, and when first responders arrived, they could hear Tellier saying he was sick of Trynor and sick of him threatening them.

In her statement to the court, Kelley said her son was a loving and helpful person who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his 4-year-old brother and Trynor’s 2-year-old son.

Diagnosed with ADHD and in the process of testing for autism, Trynor could not work and was seeking Social Security Income, she said. He spent most of his time helping her and the family, including helping with his younger brother, who also has special needs, she said.

Trynor was the only person, Kelley said, she could absolutely count on for help. 

The Thursday before he was killed, he’d told Kelley and Tellier that he talked with his therapist about moving out — the main point of contention between him and his stepfather — after being approved for Social Security benefits. 

“He was trying so hard to get his life together and it was all taken from him,” Kelley said. “My entire world was turned upside down. … In one moment of anger and resentment, I was left alone to raise my 4-year-old special needs child by myself. I lost my husband, my first-born son and best friend, and my home. … I miss my son every day, and I cry many nights.” 

Also sharing impact statements with the court were two of Trynor’s sisters, including one who married just a month after his death.

After an analysis of several cases, Bozeman asked the court to consider a sentence of 48 years.

Nadeau asked the court for the minimum sentence — 25 years — arguing that, given Tellier’s age and lack of criminal history, he would pose no danger to the community.

Woodman said that after considering all arguments and victims’ impact statements, she chose a 35-year sentence because she had to consider Tellier’s lack of criminal history and other factors against the aggravated factors in Trynor’s killing.

After time served and good time credits, Tellier will be 82 years old when eligible for release.

Tellier will be appealing both the conviction and sentence, Nadeau said.