ORMOND BEACH – Former WWE Hall of Famer Tamara Sytch has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for her role in the car crash that killed a 75-year-old man in Ormond Beach. Sytch, 50, was facing up to 26 years behind bars.
The incident in question happened on March 25th, 2022, when Sytch slammed into another vehicle on North Yonge Street in Ormond Beach. She hit the car in front of her with enough force that it collided into the one in front of it. Julian Lasseter, a senior who was in the vehicle Sytch hit while stopped at a red light, passed away from his injuries.
Sytch was reportedly severely impaired at the time of the crash, with a blood-alcohol content of between 0.32 and 0.36, four times the legal limit. A bottle of vodka was said to be found in her car, and signs of marijuana were also present in her bloodstream. On August 26th se pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter, driving wit a suspened license, two counts of DUI with property damage, and four counts of DUI with damage to people.
In her courtroom appearance Monday, Sytch presented her side of the experience. The stresses she claimed to have gone through since the crash, her regret, her desire to switch places with Lasseter. She apologized to Lasster’s family, and related her own experiences losing her parents and fiancé. Sytch’s mother died while she was in jail for the crash.
Prior legal issues of Sytch’s include charges of burglary, eluding a police officer, fleeing the scene of a crash, illegal weapon possession, and several other DUIs, among others. 50 years old at the time of conviction, Sytch is now set to remain in prison until she’s 67 years old.
What a shame that her life took this bad turn from her WWE days. Even though I liked her when she wrestled, I’m glad that she is where she belongs so she can not hurt anyone else. However, while I heard this on the news tonight, I have to agree with the victims daughter that didn’t think the punishment was justified. She should do the maximum of 25 years (not the 26 as noted based on the news report on TV) being this was her 4th DUI at the time of the accident. Then she should have to do her 8 years probation. I would not be surprised when she gets out that she becomes a motivational speaker for younger people that drink and drive.