PORTLAND, Maine — During a poignant court session in Cumberland County Superior Court on Friday, a mother confronted the man responsible for her daughter’s death as he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Amanda Brown, a devoted mother and children’s social worker, had her life tragically cut short in 2021 when her former partner, Brandon Libby, fatally shot her during a domestic dispute.
The court learned that although Brown was planning to end her relationship with Libby due to its toxic nature, she decided to stay when she discovered she was pregnant, hoping to give her children a chance to know their father. This decision came from Brown’s own experience of losing her father at a young age and her strong belief in the importance of family.
Libby, 37, who had been incarcerated for over three years awaiting trial, received a 30-year sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter, a Class A crime. The plea followed a mistrial due to a hung jury in his initial murder trial. Besides his prison term, Libby was ordered to pay $22,000 in restitution to support the upbringing of his two young children, now under the guardianship of Jeanine Brown, Amanda’s mother.
During the trial, the prosecution depicted Libby as a deceitful partner who frequently argued with Brown. Jeanine Brown, addressing the court and Libby, said, “You killed Amanda. It doesn’t matter that you feel bad, it doesn’t matter that you called it an accident. What matters is that you killed Amanda.”
The defense recounted the night of the shooting, explaining that Libby claimed the gun discharged accidentally while he and Brown wrestled over it during an argument. He shockingly admitted to sleeping next to her body before fleeing with their children the following morning, later revealing these details to detectives after a lengthy police standoff.
In his address to the court, Libby expressed remorse to Brown’s family, marked by a significant pause, underscoring the gravity of his actions. Superior Court Justice Thomas McKeon highlighted the wider implications of domestic disputes involving firearms and stressed the devastating impact of the event on Brown’s family, especially her children who were near the scene of the crime.
Brown was remembered by friends and family as a loving and protective mother, who, despite demanding workdays, was consistently joyful and nurturing towards her children. Her mother shared that Amanda had vowed to take care of her, mirroring her dedication as a caregiver previously in a nursing home.
The emotional toll on Brown’s loved ones since her death has been profound, with family members experiencing crippling anxiety and persistent grief. In advocating for the children’s future, Assistant Attorney General Lisa Marchese requested over $165,000 in restitution from Libby. However, the judge had to balance this with what Libby could feasibly pay, considering his likely life-long imprisonment.
Before sentencing, Libby’s family made a heartfelt plea, pushing for the recognition of the incident as a tragic accident, and not premeditated murder. Both families, deeply affected, were present throughout the trial, each grappling with the complex layers of loss and accountability.
For those affected by domestic violence, assistance is available through the statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-4357. Additional support and referrals can be sought by contacting the NAMI Maine Help Line at 800-464-5767 or via email at helpline@namimaine.org.