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.
Sarra, 28, 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.
