A jury convicted a 23-year-old former college student on Wednesday for the 2020 murder of her mother, the prosecutor’s office in Summit County, Ohio, confirms to PEOPLE.
Sydney Powell, of Akron, was found guilty of charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Brenda Powell, 50, the prosecutor’s office said in a release.
Mike Cardew / USA TODAY NETWORK
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“In March of 2020, Powell struck Brenda Powell in the head with an iron skillet, then stabbed her nearly 30 times in the neck,” according to the release.
The judge is scheduled to sentence Powell, who was 19 at the time of the murder, on Thursday.
Tears streamed down the face of the former Mount Union University student as the Summit County Common Pleas courtroom heard the verdicts, theAkron Beacon Journalreported.
Sydney Powell.Mike Cardew / USA TODAY NETWORK
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According to the outlet, prosecutors said Powell killed her mother because she learned she’d been kicked out of college and didn’t want her mother to find out.
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In court, prosecutors allowed clinical psychologist Dr. Silvia O’Bradovich to testify in response to the defense’s claim that Powell suffered from the illness.
Describing the incident in court, Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano said, “Sydney stopped attacking with the pan, presumably went to the kitchen with a knife,” per theAkron Beacon Journal. “She had to switch weapons and keep attacking her," Stano added.
“Just the knife just in the neck multiple times? That is purposeful,” Stano added. “That is trying to end someone.”
source: people.com