Arnos Vale resident to serve 5 years for killing elderly woman

A 20-year-old Arnos Vale woman who struck an 89-year-old woman on the head with a wrench – killing her — was on Monday at the High Court sentenced to five years in jail.

On November 28, 2014, Jolene Williams pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter of Vernnie Barnum,{{more}} also of Arnos Vale.

When Williams was first arrested on May 6, 2013, she faced two counts of attempted murder.

Approximately a week after she was slapped with those charges, Barnum died and the charge was upgraded to murder.

Also on November 28, 2014, Williams pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her ex-boyfriend, Jason Barnum.

She was sentenced to three years and eight months on that charge.

The sentences, handed down by Justice Kathy-Ann Latchoo will run concurrently.

According to the facts of the case, on May 4, 2013, while at home, an argument broke out between the deceased and Williams over the cleaning of a bathroom.

The court heard that Williams took up a kettle filled with hot water to carry to the bathroom when the deceased attempted to stop her from using her kettle.

A tussle ensued and that was when Williams used a wrench located in the bathroom to strike the woman.

The elderly woman sustained a cracked skull.

When Jason arrived at the house, he found the deceased in a semi-conscious state and words were exchanged between him and Williams.

Williams attacked Jason with a knife, resulting in injuries to his back.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Colin John led the prosecution’s case.