Jury finds Jeffrey Pyne guilty of 2nd degree murder in death of his mother

(WXYZ) - A jury has found 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne guilty of the lesser offense of second-degree murder in the death of his mother Ruth. 

He will be sentenced January 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Pyne was charged with first degree premeditated murder in the death of his mother Ruth Pyne. She was found beaten and stabbed to death in the garage of the family home in Highland Township May of last year.

No direct evidence ties Jeff to the murder. There was no break in or theft at the home. 

Jeff did lie about where he was.

The defense presented no witnesses. The defense attorney told the jury the blisters were from Jeff's job and the prosecutor did not prove this circumstantial case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jurors had three options for their verdict: first degree murder which is automatic life in prison, second degree murder any number of years up to the judge or not guilty.

The jury was unanimous.