Stabbed a man 108 times, but no jail as she smoked Weed! Victim's father says it's a 'License to Kill someone'
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
California Woman Released
In a controversial decision, a California woman convicted of stabbing her boyfriend 108 times has been released by a judge who cited a "cannabis-induced psychosis" as defence, as reported by CBS News.
Conviction and Unusual Ruling
Bryn Spejcher, 32, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for stabbing Chad O'Melia during a drug-induced psychotic episode in 2018. However, on Tuesday, she was released with a sentence of two years probation and 100 hours of community service.
Judicial Rationale for Release
Superior Court Judge David Worley ruled that Spejcher "had no control over her actions" during the cannabis-induced psychotic episode when she fatally stabbed O'Melia.
Timeline of the Stabbing Incident
The stabbing occurred overnight between May 27 and 28, 2018, at O'Melia's apartment in Thousand Oaks. Prosecutors revealed that the couple had smoked marijuana together before Spejcher entered the psychotic episode.
Details of the Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Episode
According to prosecutors, Spejcher experienced Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder, leading her to stab O'Melia multiple times during the episode. She also inflicted self-inflicted wounds.
Relationship Timeline and Brutal Outcome
The couple had been seeing each other for a few weeks before the violent incident, resulting in the death of the 26-year-old accountant. Law enforcement found O'Melia deceased, with Spejcher still holding the knife.
Legal Defence's Argument
In court, Spejcher's lawyers argued that their client, an inexperienced marijuana user, became "involuntarily intoxicated" after O'Melia pressured her to take additional hits.
Mixed Reactions to Ruling
While victim's father, Sean O'Melia, expressed outrage, stating it provided "a license to kill someone," Spejcher's lawyer, Bob Schwartz, praised Judge Worley's decision as the right and courageous one. The ruling has sparked controversy in California's legal landscape.