In a shocking and gruesome case, 23-year-old Sydney Powell of Akron, Ohio, was found guilty of murdering her mother, Brenda Powell, after her expulsion from Mount Union University was discovered by her parents. The verdict was delivered last week in Summit County Common Pleas Court, where Sydney was convicted of two counts of murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence, according to the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.

The tragic events unfolded on March 3, 2020, when Sydney's father, Steven Powell, was unable to access the university's portal to pay her tuition. This discovery led to a confrontation between Sydney and her mother later that afternoon. Sydney, who had failed three of her four classes in December 2019, had been expelled from the university but had kept it a secret from her parents for months, as revealed by CourtTV.

Upon confessing her expulsion to her father, Sydney's mother returned home from her job as a child life specialist at Akron Children's Hospital to address the matter with her daughter. School officials testified that while they were on the phone with Brenda, they heard thuds and screaming before the call abruptly ended. Sydney, realizing she had been caught, answered when the officials called back, pretending to be her mother. However, the officials saw through her charade and immediately contacted the police.

Prosecutors revealed that Sydney brutally attacked her mother by repeatedly striking her in the head with a cast-iron skillet and subsequently stabbing her almost 30 times with a steak knife. Assistant prosecutor Brian Stano emphasized during the trial that Sydney's actions showed purpose and intent to end her mother's life. Shockingly, after the attack, Sydney shattered a window in an attempt to stage a break-in, according to prosecutors.

Throughout the trial, Sydney's defense argued that she suffered from schizophrenia, which prevented her from comprehending the wrongfulness of her actions at that moment. Her father and grandmother testified on her behalf, supporting her defense. However, the jury ultimately rejected the insanity plea.

Sylvia O'Bradovich, a psychologist hired by the prosecutors, acknowledged Sydney's mental illness but disagreed with the insanity defense. O'Bradovich stated that although Sydney suffered from mental health issues, including borderline personality traits, malingering, and an anxiety disorder, she did not meet the legal definition of insanity at the time of the crime.

The jury's guilty verdict left Sydney sobbing in the courtroom. Her attorney, Donald Malarcik, expressed disappointment with the jury's decision and announced their plans to file an appeal.

Sydney is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28. The murder charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 15 years. In addition to the murder charges, Sydney also faces additional time for the tampering with evidence conviction.

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences that can result from academic failures and the importance of mental health awareness and support for individuals dealing with such challenges. The upcoming sentencing will determine the fate of Sydney Powell, as her actions continue to reverberate through the community.