A 32-year-old woman from Thousand Oaks, California, was convicted on Friday, December 1, 2023 of involuntary manslaughter in the 2018 death of her boyfriend.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place in May 2018, involving a rare reaction to marijuana consumption.
Bryn Spejcher, who had been dating Chad O’Melia for a few weeks, visited his apartment on May 27, 2018. The couple smoked marijuana from a bong, after which Spejcher experienced what authorities have described as a “Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder.” During this episode, she attacked O’Melia, inflicting 108 stab wounds with a bread knife. O’Melia died from these injuries.
When law enforcement arrived at O’Melia’s apartment the following morning, they found Specher in a hysterical state, holding the knife used in the attack. In a desperate attempt to subdue her, officers resorted to using a taser and multiple baton strikes. Despite their efforts, she inflicted a stab wound on her own neck before being disarmed.
At first, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office charged her with murder. However, the charge was later reduced to involuntary manslaughter. The reduction was influenced by the unique circumstances of the case, particularly the role of marijuana-induced psychosis.
The defense highlighted her limited experience with marijuana, suggesting her reaction was unforeseeable and involuntary. The prosecution argued that her decision to participate was voluntary, thus holding her responsible for the aftermath.
The trial culminated in Spejcher’s conviction, with potential sentencing enhancements owing to the violent nature of the crime and use of a deadly weapon. These enhancements are related to several allegations, including the use of a deadly weapon, committing a serious felony, and behavior indicating a significant danger to society.
The case has been a prolonged ordeal for the victim’s family, who have awaited justice for over four years.
The judge handled the specific allegations and additional charges in a bench trial on Monday, December 4, taking on the role typically filled by a jury.
In this trial, the judge concluded that the accusations regarding the use of a lethal weapon and committing a serious felony were unfounded.
Nevertheless, the judge did ascertain that the crime was committed with significant violence, the defendant participated in such violent actions, and possessed and utilized a weapon.
These determinations by the judge will be pivotal in deciding the defendant’s place and duration of incarceration.
The judge scheduled the sentencing for the 23rd of January and dismissed another prosecution plea to have the defendant imprisoned immediately as they await sentencing.
Currently, the defendant remains out of custody on bail.
It was a mutual understanding between the defense and prosecution that her actions were influenced by psychosis induced by cannabis.