Ohio Woman Says She Wasn’t In ‘Right State Of Mind’ When She Fatally Stabbed Elderly Neighbors During Robbery

An Ohio woman was sentenced to serve anywhere from 37 years to life in prison in connection with the brutal slaying of her elderly neighbors during a robbery over two years ago.

Judge Michael Holbrook sentenced Kelly Dale Vokas, 43, to the maximum penalty possible in the case.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, Vokas pleaded guilty in December to murder, involuntary manslaughter, and aggravated burglary.

During the defendant’s sentencing hearing, a sheriff’s deputy testified that authorities received a 911 hang-up call around 3:20 p.m. on October 18, 2020, and responded to the Prairie Township home of the two victims, John Blanc, 77, and Susan Castore, 75.

At the residence, the deputy said he saw Vokas through a window putting items, including a checkbook, ID cards, and a bag of coins, in her purse before attempting to flee the property.

Inside the home, Blanc was found in a bathroom with six stab wounds to his head and neck, while Castore was in the basement bound in a rope and also suffering stab wounds.

At her sentencing, a crying Vokas said she wasn’t in her “right state of mind” and apologized. “I did not react in the manner which I should have,” she said.

Her defense lawyer claimed his client battled drug abuse and mental health issues at the time of the murders, according to the Dispatch.

“How can a human being be so cruel and take such evil actions towards an elderly couple that at many times had showed you kindness,” Blanc’s daughter, Julie Blanc, asked Vokas at the hearing.