In California, a woman who stabbed her boyfriend over 100 times during a drug-induced back episode in 2018 has been given a sentence of two years probation and
“100 hours of community service,”
instead of being placed behind bars, reports PEOPLE.
Back in Dec. Bryn Spejcher, 32, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, 26-year-old Chad O’Melia. Previously, she faced up to four years behind bars before her sentencing hearing on Tuesday.
Back in 2018, according to prosecutors, Spejcher fatally stabbed her boyfriend, Chad O’Melia, around 108 times in his Thousand Oaks apartment after they smoked marijuana together, reports the Ventura County Star.
She also reportedly stabbed herself. Officials discovered her in a pool of blood and had to use a baton and Taser in order to disarm her. She was later taken into custody.
A medical expert testified during the trial that Spejcher’s actions were caused by
“cannabis-induced psychosis.”
The National Library of Medicine defines this disorder as the emergence of
“hallucinations or delusions”
shortly after consuming marijuana.
Spejcher’s lawyers argued that she was forced to consume marijuana against her will. O’Melia’s family confronted Spejcher in court, where she showed remorse for her actions.
“My actions have ripped your family apart…I am broken and aching inside. I hurt that you never see Chad again,”
the woman said, according to the Ventura County Star
Judge David Worley of Ventura County Superior Court justified his choice to not sentence Spejcher to jail time.
Judge Worley said,
“From that point forward, she had no control over her actions,”
referencing the point after she smoked the cannabis.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
