On Wednesday, September 20, in Summit County, Ohio, a jury found a 23-year-old former college student guilty of the 2020 murder of her mother.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed the charges, including murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence.
In March 2020, Sydney Powell attacked her mother, Brenda Powell, 50, by striking her in the head with an iron skillet and later stabbing her nearly 30 times in the neck. The motive behind this heinous act was revealed during the trial. Sydney had recently been kicked out of college and did not want her mother to know.
Brenda Powell had been a child life specialist at Akron Children’s Hospital for almost 30 years. She succumbed to her injuries at this hospital.
A significant point of contention during the trial was Sydney’s mental health. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia by three defense experts. These evaluations suggested that Sydney did not understand the wrongness of her actions at the time, attributing her actions to a mental disorder. However, clinical psychologist Dr. Silvia O’Bradovich testified in response to these claims, indicating that Sydney’s actions did not align with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano emphasized the brutality of the attack in court, detailing how Sydney switched weapons during the assault, a clear indicator of intent.
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where Sydney graduated, conveyed their deep sorrow, underlining the profound impact of the incident, not only on the immediate family but on all who knew both Sydney and her mother.
The sentencing for Sydney Powell is scheduled for Thursday, September 28.
