US: Woman stabs her mother 30 times for finding her college secret

In a shocking incident, a 23-year-old woman in the US killed her mother by stabbing her almost 30 times in the neck and beating her with an iron skillet after the latter found out that the daughter had been expelled from her college, a secret that the accused did not want her to find out.

Sydney Powell of Akron, Ohio, guilty of murder, tampering with evidence and felonious assault in the brutal killing of healthcare worker Brenda Powell, who was 50 years old.

"In March of 2020, Sydney Powell struck Brenda Powell in the head with an iron skillet, then stabbed her nearly 30 times in the neck," said Summit County Prosecutor's Office, in a release.

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Powell, who was a former student of Mount Union University, was seen crying in the Summit County Common Pleas courtroom after she was found guilty by the jury, reportedThe Akron Beacon Journal.

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Brenda, 50, was found dead by police on 3 March 2020 inside her Scudder Drive home.

The woman, who was a child life specialist at Akron Children's Hospital, was severely injured. She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

She had been attacked by Powell while she was talking to officials from her school on the phone, New York Post reported.

The defence argued that Powell suffered from schizophrenia and hence the court cannot hold her accountable for murder.

'Powell suffered a psychotic break when she killed her mother'

James Reardon, one of the three experts who appeared for the defence who diagnosed Powell's schizophrenia, said she suffered a psychotic break when she killed her mother who she used to consider her best friend.

Sylvia O'Bradovich, the psychologist hired by prosecutors, did not agree with the diagnosis and said Powell failed to meet the legal definition of insanity when the crime was committed.

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O'Bradovich said Powell has been suffering from mental health issues, which include malingering, anxiety disorder and borderline personality traits.

Speaking about the incident in court, Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano said, "Sydney stopped attacking with the pan, presumably went to the kitchen with a knife," according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

"She had to switch weapons and keep attacking her. Just the knife just in the neck multiple times? That is purposeful. That is trying to end someone," Stano added.

The sentencing of Powell has been scheduled for September 28.

(With inputs from agencies)

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