Ohio Woman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Killing Mother with Frying Pan and Knife Over Bad Grades

Sydney Powell, a 23-year-old Ohio woman, was sentenced to 15 years to life for beating her mother with a frying pan and stabbing her more than 20 times after her parents found out she was kicked out of college1. Judge Kelly McLaughlin gave Powell the minimum allowed under the law for the brutal killing of Brenda Powell, 50, over the objections of Summit County prosecutors who pushed for the maximum of 18 years to life1. Powell's attorney, Donald Malarcik, blasted prosecutor Brian Stano for pushing for the most severe penalty when her family had begged for leniency and testified on her behalf1. Powell was out on bond for 3½ years before she was found guilty last week of murder, assault, and tampering with evidence1. She had an impeccable record of complying with her mental health treatment1.

Key facts from the story:

• Sydney Powell, a 23-year-old Ohio woman, was sentenced to 15 years to life for beating her mother with a frying pan and stabbing her more than 20 times after her parents found out she was kicked out of college1.
• Judge Kelly McLaughlin gave Powell the minimum allowed under the law for the brutal killing of Brenda Powell, 50, over the objections of Summit County prosecutors who pushed for the maximum of 18 years to life1.
• Powell's attorney, Donald Malarcik, blasted prosecutor Brian Stano for pushing for the most severe penalty when her family had begged for leniency and testified on her behalf1.
• Powell was out on bond for 3½ years before she was found guilty last week of murder, assault, and tampering with evidence1.
• She had an impeccable record of complying with her mental health treatment1.