Columbus, OH – Bryanna Barozzini, 20, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Monday, just before opening statements were set to begin in her trial for the 2023 stabbing death of 17-year-old Halia Culbertson.
Barozzini admitted to stabbing Culbertson outside a smoke shop on March 26, 2023. Initially charged with murder and manslaughter, Barozzini reached a plea deal with prosecutors who dropped the murder charge. She now faces up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine when sentenced on July 11. Her defense attorney is seeking probation, while prosecutors are requesting the maximum sentence.
Franklin County Judge Mark Serrott indicated a likelihood of prison time for Barozzini, with the possibility of early release for good behavior.
According to the prosecution, Culbertson and Barozzini had an ongoing feud. On the night of the incident, Culbertson and friends were at the 161 Carryout smoke shop in northeast Columbus when Barozzini arrived with a man. A confrontation ensued outside the shop, where Culbertson slapped Barozzini, prompting her to stab Culbertson in the neck. Culbertson was taken to the hospital but later died from her injuries.
Police arrested Barozzini at her home in Westerville, where they found her clothes in the washing machine and the knife hidden in a crawl space. She posted a $750,000 bond and has been out on bail since.
Judge Serrott noted that incriminating text messages from Barozzini, such as threats to harm Culbertson, would have been admitted in court, potentially undermining her self-defense claim.
Culbertson was described on a GoFundMe page as “the most loving and outgoing person, she cared for all close to her and she was loved by all of us dearly.”
Barozzini, a graduate of Westerville North High School, was attending Columbus State at the time of the stabbing.
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