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WILLOWICK, Ohio (AP) — A northeast Ohio woman is heading to prison after authorities say she and her sister tried to strangle their mother with computer cables on Thanksgiving.
Twenty-five-year-old Joanna Barnes was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison after pleading guilty earlier to felonious assault. Her 23-year-old sister, Jennifer Barnes, pleaded guilty to an identical charge and also was sentenced this month to seven years in prison.
Police in Willowick, east of Cleveland, say the two wrapped USB cables around their mother's neck. Investigators say Joanna Barnes grabbed a towel and her sister grabbed a pillow and they pressed down on their mother's face.
The mother escaped with neck injuries.
A mental health evaluation concluded the sisters had mental health issues, but the prosecutor says that didn't justify their actions.
Joanna Barnes said the family was troubled but said there was no justification for her actions.
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