In a shocking turn of events, former WWE Hall of Famer Tamara Lynn Sytch, widely known as “Sunny,” has been sentenced to 17.6 years in prison, followed by eight years of probation. The sentencing comes in the aftermath of a deadly crash on March 25, 2022, where Sytch, under the influence, collided with a vehicle driven by Julian “Fran” Lasseter, resulting in his tragic death.
Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilliger argued for the maximum penalty of 25 years, branding Sytch as “a danger to society” due to her repeated offenses. Despite Sytch’s defense team citing mental health issues, Circuit Judge Karen Foxman handed down a stern judgment, emphasizing the severity of the case and denying any departure from the state guideline minimum.
Sytch pleaded no contest to charges including DUI manslaughter, driving with a suspended license causing death, four counts of DUI with injuries, and two counts of DUI causing property damage. Judge Foxman, acknowledging the “fairly egregious” facts of the case, sentenced Sytch to 17 years in prison, followed by eight years of probation, during which she must undergo a substance abuse evaluation.
The crash occurred in Ormond Beach, where Sytch’s sedan collided with Lasseter’s vehicle at a red light. Lasseter’s car was pushed into another, leading to his fatal injuries. Sytch’s blood-alcohol content was four times the legal limit, and traces of marijuana use were also found in her system.
While on trial, Sytch who is 50 admitted that she was sorry for her actions. She recollected a troubling past that began when she lost her future man, Chris Candido back in 2005 allegedly kick-starting her downturn.
Sytch spoke of her desire to make amends, pledging to use her experience to educate others on the perils of drinking and driving and the importance of mental health treatment.
Lasseter’s family, present at the sentencing, painted a poignant picture of their beloved Julian. His younger brother, Kenneth Lasseter, described Julian as a father figure after their father’s death. Julian’s daughter, Whitney Lasseter Hill, emotionally recounted the impact of losing her father, a positive and charitable man.
Hill passionately urged for the maximum prison time for Sytch, emphasizing the irreparable loss her family had endured. She shared anecdotes of her father’s love for life, his role in helping individuals overcome addiction, and his dedication to community service.
Although the family felt let down by the verdict, it highly approved of the work done by the state attorneys’ office and Ormond Beach Police Department officers toward justice.
Psychologists appeared as witnesses and mentioned traumas that happened in Sytch’s childhood and her adulthood, such as the death of her father, Chris Candido, as well as that of her niece in a traffic accident. She was diagnosed as suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and diminished executive function. Sycth’s plea was in mitigation, with stress on remorse and usefulness to society in the midst of her own difficulties.
In contrast, Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz highlighted Sytch’s repeated violations of the law, pointing to multiple DUI arrests in 2015. The prosecution called for the maximum sentence, underscoring the need for accountability given Sytch’s pattern of irresponsible behavior.
As Tammy “Sunny” Sytch begins her prison term, the wrestling world and fans alike reflect on the tragic turn of events for a once-celebrated figure, while the Lasseter family grapples with the lasting impact of their loss.
