Gilbert
KINGSTON – Sarra Gilbert, the Ellenville woman found guilty of
murdering her mother in Ellenville, has been sentenced to 25 years to
life in prison.
The Ulster County Court jury in Kingston had considered Sarra Gilbert’s
defense of insanity, but dismissed it.
The 28-year-old woman stabbed her mother, Mari Gilbert, who was 52 at
the time of her death on July 23, 2016, more than 200 times and struck
her over the head.
Over the objection of Sarra Gilbert’s attorney at the time of sentenced
on Friday, August 4, Senior Assistant District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji
read into the record in open court the victim impact statement of Stevie
Smith, the youngest child of Mari Gilbert. She spoke about the impact
of Sarra Gilbert’s crime on her and asked the court not to allow
Sarra to get out again because she remains in fear that Sarra would kill
her if she had the opportunity.
Nneji recommended the maximum sentence.
In his comments to the court, Gilbert’s attorney, John Ray, blamed
the victim, Sarra’s mother, for her problems.
In imposing the maximum sentenced, the court noted Ray’s comments
made after the verdict that his client would kill again.
