DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, a former professional wrestling star, has been handed a prison sentence of over 17 years following a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of a 75-year-old man. Sytch’s blood alcohol level at the time of the accident was four times the legal limit, according to Florida authorities.
Sytch, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame since 2011, entered a no-contest plea in August to charges of DUI manslaughter, among others. At the time of her arrest in Volusia County in March 2022, she had an open bottle of vodka in her car and traces of cannabis in her system, authorities revealed.
Her sentencing hearing on Monday could have seen her facing more than 25 years in prison. During the proceedings, Sytch expressed deep remorse for the death of Julian LaFrancis Lasseter of Daytona Beach.
Sytch, who is 50 years old, has a history of DUI arrests in Pennsylvania, leading to the suspension of her driver’s license. She did not hold a Florida driver’s license at the time of the accident.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza didn’t mince words when commenting on Sytch’s history of drunk driving, describing it as “horrendous” and stating that it was only a matter of time before her actions resulted in the death of an innocent person.
Sytch joined WWE in 1995 and quickly became popular due to her bold personality and striking appearance. In addition to her wrestling career, she managed other WWE personalities and worked in broadcasting
DUI Offender Trying to Get Out of Prison Sentence:
PEORIA, Ill. – An 18-year-old teenager, Clayton Bell, is pleading with a judge to reconsider his 14-year sentence for a fatal DUI conviction, as new evidence may come to light. Bell was convicted in March after pleading guilty to aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. He was the driver in a car crash that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Mia Dusek.
Bell’s defense attorney, Michael Doubet, argues that his former attorney, Kevin Sullivan, failed to thoroughly investigate critical information that could have significantly impacted the case. Specifically, body camera footage taken shortly after the crash revealed that one of the car’s passengers mentioned that the group had been attempting dangerous maneuvers while driving. A brief video clip also showed the passengers encouraging Bell to replicate the risky behavior just moments before the crash. As the situation turned dire, the footage captured the passengers pleading with Bell to slow down and value their lives.
Sullivan admitted to omitting this evidence from the court proceedings out of concern that it would deflect blame onto the victim, potentially jeopardizing the case. He also allowed victim impact statements from individuals who were not eligible under Illinois statute, fearing that objecting to these statements would cast his client in an unfavorable light.
During the hearing, Doubet interrogated Sullivan, contending that the calls to “catch air” from the passengers could be considered provocation, which, if proven, may lead to a reduction in Bell’s sentence.
Judge John Vespa refrained from delivering an immediate decision on the motion to reconsider. After a lengthy closed-door meeting with Doubet and a Peoria County prosecutor, Vespa emphasized the need for a meticulous review of the case to determine the potential value of the new witness.
Bell’s family declined to comment, and the courtroom was filled to capacity.