BAY MINETTE, Ala. — A Baldwin County jury deliberated three hours Tuesday before finding Bay Minette resident Sarah Louise Burnette guilty of capital murder in the Aug. 8, 2008, shooting of her ex-husband.

Following the verdict, Circuit Judge Robert Wilters sentenced Burnette to life without parole.

According to a statement issued by District Attorney Hallie Dixon, Burnette shot Ronald Eugene Austin four times with a .25-caliber pistol while parked in his vehicle in the Pine Grove community.

“This is what the job is all about,” Dixon said. “Closure for this family. Justice for their son.”

Dixon told jurors during the five-day trial that Burnette, 44, intended to kill Ronald Austin and did not fire in self defense.

Defense attorney Jim Scroggins argued that Austin was upset that night because of problems with his wife. He had a blood alcohol level of .226.

According to testimony, Burnette made a 911 call moments after midnight from her mother’s residence and told a dispatcher she had just shot her ex-boyfriend. Deputies arrived about 10 minutes later and took Burnette into custody.

“She says she and Austin were in a verbal altercation,” Dixon said. “She said he would not let her out of the car. She said she shot him because she was afraid.”

Deputies found the vehicle in the middle of Old Robinson Road. The SUV was in park, the ignition off. Dixon said two of the bullets entered Austin’s heart and that powder burns were found on his shirt indicating close-range firing.

Austin met Burnette earlier at a nightspot, then she left on foot, according to testimony. Austin picked her up and headed for her residence.

“She said she hit him in the face, and the two started boxing in the car on Pine Grove Road,” Dixon said. “Then he climbed on top of her and kicked her. But there were no bruises on her face.”

Dixon said an examination of Austin’s body indicated no signs of a struggle.

An examination of Burnette indicated no bruises or scratches, and no torn or stretched clothing.