Woman pleads guilty to fatal stabbing of 17-year-old girl, faces up to three years in prison
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A 20-year-old woman has changed her plea to guilty in the fatal stabbing of a teenager in March 2023. Bryanna Barozzini was supposed to face a judge and jury Monday for the start of her trial. Instead, she chose to change her plea.
Barozzini admitted her guilt in the courtroom Monday. She is now convicted with involuntary manslaughter. Part of this deal is the state will drop the murder charges against her.
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These negotiations happened after they had already selected a jury. After returning from break, Judge Mark Serrott said this is probably in Barozzini’s best interest. He mentions he has incriminating text messages from Barozzini to the victim before the fatal incident.
According to records, there was an ongoing feud between then 18-year-old Barozzini and the victim 17-year-old Halia Culbertson. In March 2023, the two teens were at a store in northeast Columbus and started arguing inside. This escalated to a fight outside where court documents say Barozzini stabbed Culbertson in the neck.
Barozzini has been out on bond since her arrest. The state did ask the judge to change her terms. He did not, but did warn her about what would happen if she does not cooperate.
“If she doesn’t show up or does anything stupid while she is out, she will get the max and not get out, period. I’m going to give you the max. You show up, behave yourself, have a decent presentence investigation. I’m likely to do what has been said,” Serrott said.
She is now facing up to three years in prison plus parole. The judge said she could be let out early based on behavior. Barozzini will be sentenced on July 11.
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