Former WWE star Tammy Sunny faced serious consequences on Monday, getting a prison sentence of 17.6 years and eight years of probation. This was due to a tragic accident where she was driving under the influence. The prosecutor wanted a 25-year sentence, calling her a “danger to society.” Sunny’s lawyers argued that she had mental health problems, asking for a lighter sentence, but the court records suggested otherwise.
About WWE former Tammy Sunny’s 17-year prison sentence
Tammy Sunny, at the age of 50, was charged with various offences like DUI manslaughter and causing bodily harm due to a collision. The judge sentenced her to 17 years in prison and eight years of probation, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. Sunny admitted to using alcohol, with a high blood-alcohol level, causing a fatal collision with Julian Lasseter’s car.
Lasseter lost his life in the accident, and Tammy Sunny expressed remorse, mentioning her struggles and achievements in life. She claimed to have wanted to become a doctor and asked for another chance. Sunny also apologized to Lasseter’s family, expressing a desire to switch places with him. Despite her plea, the judge delivered a substantial sentence.
Tammy Sunny’s past mistakes, including the death of her fiancé in 2005, were discussed. She proposed making amends by educating the public on the risks of irresponsible driving and mental health issues. Lasseter’s family shared their grief, seeking justice for the lost life. Psychologists testified about Sunny’s mental health problems, but the court considered her criminal history for a strict sentence.
Video Credit: FOX 35 Orlando
Lasseter’s family speaks of loss
Kenneth Lasseter, the younger brother of Julian Lasseter, spoke during the proceedings. Kenneth shared that after their father passed away when he was fifteen, Julian, who was just five years old, took on the role of a father figure for him.
Julian, a resident of a condominium in Daytona Beach Shores, was highly regarded by all homeowners there, according to Kenneth. He mentioned that everyone had great respect for Julian.
Whitney Lasseter Hill, Julian’s daughter, expressed her profound grief over her father’s tragic passing. She emphasized the unexpected pain of receiving news at two in the morning from a police officer about her father’s death in a car accident.
Whitney said, “Knowing that my father, our rock, is no longer with us changed everything.” She highlighted how important he was to her, being an enthusiastic person who cherished life and was a man of God. He played James Brown’s “I Feel Good” to brighten her mornings as a child.
In their communications, Julian would express pride in Whitney. He held leadership roles, being the president of the Daytona Beach Gator Club, a dedicated University of Florida fan, and working in treatment homes to assist residents with their addictions. Julian also served as a board member for the homeless assistance organization Halifax Urban Ministries.
Whitney shared that her father was in good health, had ambitious goals for the next twenty-five years, and mentioned the possibility of her children being in the car with their grandmother on the day of the accident.
The family sought the maximum prison sentence for Tammy Sunny(Sitch), expressing disappointment with the outcome. They credited the Ormond Beach Police Department, Terwilliger, and the State Attorney’s Office for their efforts in the case.
Kenneth Lasseter hoped that Sunny would reflect deeply during her time in prison. He commented on the severity of Tammy Sunny’s sentence, suggesting that she needs significant introspection, referencing it as a form of “moral equivalence” in response to Sunny’s arguments about her struggles.
Psychologists testify in support of Sitch
A psychologist named John Fabian spoke on behalf of Tammy Sunny’s defence team, represented by assistant public defender Jessica Roberts. Fabian explained that Sunny, also known as Sitch, went through difficult experiences, such as the death of his father, former wrestler Candido, in 2005. Sunny was in a relationship with Candido for about 15 years. Fabian also mentioned that Sunny lost a niece in a car accident.
During his testimony, Fabian shared that Sunny had been in abusive relationships. Sunny claimed to have been mistreated by a police officer in the North-East, with whom she had an affair. At the time of the car collision, her partner was also abusive. Fabian didn’t disclose the name of Sunny’s boyfriend, but James Pente later claimed to be her boyfriend at the time and left the courtroom after testifying.
Fabian explained that Sunny used alcohol as a way to cope with the challenges and broken relationships in her life.
In Fabian’s testimony, he identified symptoms of bipolar disorder and diagnosed Sunny with depression. He also claimed that Sunny had poor executive function in her brain, affecting her impulses and decision-making.
During cross-examination, Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz questioned Sunny about whether she had self-reported these issues. Sunny replied affirmatively, mentioning that depression was noted in a 2014 report from a medical facility.
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Schwartz raised concerns about the possibility of Sunny becoming depressed due to incarceration, a long prison sentence, weight gain, loss of freedom, and losing fans. According to Fabian, this could indeed happen.
Dr. Jeffrey Danziger, who spoke to Sunny’s attorney, Larry Avallone, expressed his belief that Sunny was suffering from bipolar disorder. He based this belief partly on the fact that the medications Sunny took for depression weren’t effective.
Danziger also testified that Sunny had a serious alcohol problem and emphasized that someone doesn’t choose to become addicted to alcohol. Despite developing pancreatitis from alcohol consumption, Sunny continued to drink and was arrested for drunken driving before the tragic collision that led to Monday’s sentencing.
During sentencing arguments, Assistant Public Defender Avalon highlighted Sunny’s remorse and positive aspects of her life despite challenges, arguing that she was dealing with an untreated mental disorder. Avalon requested leniency from the judge.
Due to Sunny’s history of breaking the law, Terwilliger, the prosecutor, urged for the harshest punishment, citing three detentions for drunkenness in Pennsylvania in 2015.
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