DETROIT—The Michigan Court of Appeals decided not to reverse a lenient jail sentence for a young woman who fatally injured her father by using a harmful powder on him when he couldn’t take her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday celebration.
Megan Imirowicz, now 21, was given a one-year jail term in 2023. She was released immediately due to already spending about 17 months in custody prior to trial and during her punishment waiting period.
Despite sentencing guidelines recommending over four years in prison, Oakland County Judge Victoria Valentine showed leniency towards Imirowicz, considering her age, immaturity, and potential for rehabilitation. Prosecutors raised objections.
“The trial court adequately justified the imposed sentence,” stated the appeals court in a unanimous 3–0 ruling on Tuesday.
Imirowicz was convicted of using harmful substances to cause her father’s death. Prosecutors revealed that she was angry with her father, Konrad Imirowicz, 64, for being intoxicated and unable to drive her to an appointment before her birthday party in 2021.
According to prosecutors, Megan Imirowicz poured lye, a potent chemical drain cleaner, on her sleeping father, resulting in severe burns all over his body. He underwent kidney dialysis, a tracheotomy, and had both legs amputated before passing away five months later.
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“While the victim’s extensive injuries from the chemical burns that led to his death were severe, this alone does not indicate any sentencing discretion abuse,” wrote the appeals court.
During sentencing, Imirowicz stated that prosecutors tried to portray her as a monster, which she denied, asserting that it wasn’t her true nature. She referred to her father as her “best friend.” Imirowicz is under probation until July 2028.
By Ed White
