23-year-old Ohio woman Sydney Powell killed her mother by beating her with an iron skillet and stabbing her dozens of times – because mom found out her daughter had been kicked out of college

A jury convicted a 23-year-old Ohio woman of murdering her mother after learning her daughter had been expelled from college.

Sydney Powell was found guilty of murder, assault and tampering with evidence in the killing of her mother, 50-year-old Brenda Powell.

The 23-year-old sobbed in court as the verdicts were read in the Summit County courtroom.

In March 2020, Sydney, then 19, hit her mother in the head with an iron skillet and then stabbed her in the neck nearly 30 times.

Sydney pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. During the trial, defense attorneys argued that she was suffering from a psychotic episode at the time of the attack Hof TV.

Brenda Powell, 50, was on the phone with Sydney University when her daughter killed her

Defense attorney Donald Malarcik told jurors that Sydney has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is receiving treatment since the attack.

Brenda worked as a pediatrician in the hematology-oncology department at Akron Children’s Hospital for 28 years.

A memorial scholarship in her name described her as selfless and dedicated, the best in her field.

“Countless patients and families have benefited from Brenda’s compassionate care and support. Brenda loved working with the teens at the Douches Family Center and always did everything possible to make sure they were successful.”

Prosecutors argued that Sydney initially lied to police about what had happened and that the burglary had occurred. They said she even broke a window to stage a crime scene.

Witnesses from University Mount Union where Sydney had attended said they were on the phone with Brenda to discuss her daughter’s suspension when they heard repeated banging and screaming.

Alarmed by what they heard, school administrators called police to the Powell home.

The defendant’s father, Steven Powell, testified in his daughter’s defense. He said his wife and daughter had a close relationship.

Defense psychological experts said Sydney was in the throes of a psychotic episode during the attack and could not understand that her actions were wrong.

Dr. James Reardon, who diagnosed her with schizophrenia and depression, said she deteriorated and lost her grip on reality in the lead-up to the attack.

Dr. Thomas Swale, a neuropsychologist, and Dr. Robin Belcher-Timme both testified that Sydney’s psychotic break began months before the attack and that she was out of touch with reality when it occurred.

In rebuttal, prosecutors called Dr. Silvia O’Bradovich, a clinical psychologist, who said she had interviewed Sydney.

O’Bradovich agreed that Sydney has mental health issues, but said he did not have a psychotic episode during the attack.

Sydney was 19 years old when she struck her mother with an iron skillet and stabbed her to death

Defense experts argued that Sydney Powell (right) suffered a psychotic episode during the attack, but the prosecutor said she was of sound mind

Brenda worked as a beloved pediatrician in the hematology-oncology department at Akron Children’s Hospital

She said Sydney’s motive for killing her mother was that she would do anything not to disappoint her.

Prosecutors argued that Sydney knew what she was doing during the attack and was in her right mind when she switched the weapons she used and staged the burglary.

‘Sydney stopped attacking with the pan and probably went to the kitchen with a knife. She had to switch weapons and continue attacking her,” said Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano Akron Beacon Journal.

‘Just the knife just in the neck several times? That is purposeful. That’s trying to end someone.”

The verdict is scheduled for September 28. Sydney faces a maximum prison sentence of life in prison.