Woman sentenced for torturing her wheelchair-bound friend by attempting to force-feed him bleach.
A 35-year-old woman from Detroit was sentenced Thursday to a prison term ranging from five to 25 years after pleading guilty to charges of torture in connection with a severe assault on a friend who uses a wheelchair. Brittany Walker admitted to her role in an incident that occurred earlier this year, involving a brutal confrontation with 44-year-old Andreas Bryant, her wheelchair-bound friend.
Walker was apprehended on February 14, facing multiple serious felony charges, including torture and abuse of a vulnerable adult. According to prosecutors, she, along with a co-defendant, 62-year-old Samuel Payton, attempted to force Bryant to ingest bleach during a violent dispute at his apartment. Details revealed that the assault led to Bryant being hospitalized with significant injuries, including a brain bleed and a broken eye socket.
On August 5, Walker entered a guilty plea for the torture charge, accepting a plea agreement that stipulated her sentence would fall between five and 25 years in prison. During the sentencing hearing, Michigan Circuit Court Judge Kelly Ann Ramsey adhered to the terms of the agreement, declaring that Walker should have no further contact with Bryant due to the gravity of the offense, which she characterized as both “unconscionable” and “horrific.”
Bryant, who chose not to attend the hearing, submitted an impact statement that was read by the prosecution. In his statement, he referred to Walker as his “little sister” and advocated for leniency in her sentencing. He attributed her actions to struggles with substance addiction, expressing a belief that rehabilitation, rather than punishment, would serve her better. He noted their past bond and how her life had changed for the worse once she began using drugs.
The violent episode reportedly escalated after Payton escorted Walker to Bryant’s residence while she was in an incoherent state. In an account shared in his statement, Bryant described being assaulted by both men, emphasizing that this behavior was out of character for Walker prior to her substance abuse issues.
Payton, who has also faced multiple charges, including torture and assault with intent to do great bodily harm, is scheduled to stand trial next month, further compounding the tragic circumstances surrounding this case. The events have clearly highlighted the profound social issues related to addiction and violence, raising questions about the support systems in place for vulnerable individuals in similar situations.
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