Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch sentenced to 17 years on DUI, manslaughter charges

  • Ian Carey
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Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was in court today for a sentencing hearing related to DUI and manslaughter charges. 

In August, Sytch pleaded no contest to felony DUI causing death, driving with a suspended license causing death, as well as several misdemeanor charges related to DUI with damage to people or property. 

The charges stem from a fatal collision on March 25, 2022, in Volusia County, Florida. Police reports allege a car driven by Sytch was traveling at a high rate of speed before striking a vehicle driven by Julian L. Lasseter, which was stopped at a traffic light. The 75-year-old grandfather of three was killed instantly.

Today, Circuit Judge Karen A. Foxman presided over Sytch’s sentencing hearing in a Volusia County courtroom. 

Under the charge of driving under a suspended license and causing death or bodily injury, Sytch was sentenced to 10.6625 years in the Department of Corrections with credit for the 566 days she’s already spent in prison.

On the DUI manslaughter second-degree felony, she was sentenced to seven years to be served consecutively with the above sentence. 

On the misdemeanor charges, Judge Foxman sentenced Sytch to 364 days to be served concurrently with her other sentences.

Sytch was also sentenced to eight years of probation following her incarceration. 

Sytch entered the courtroom today wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. 

The defense went first and called a forensic psychologist and neurological psychologist to testify. The expert testified that Sytch scored average or above average in several neurological tests that were performed. However, tests that measured her “executive functioning” and areas related to her frontal lobe showed her to be “severely impaired.” 

Executive functioning is defined as “the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior.”

Psychological testing revealed Sytch has evidence of PTSD, borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety. Her family’s history of alcohol abuse was also discussed, as was her wrestling history and undocumented, self-reported history of concussions. 

The prosecution then questioned the expert. Sytch’s history of concussions was called into question, with the prosecutor emphasizing that her history of head injuries was all self-reported. The prosecution also alleged that Sytch’s current imprisonment is the reason for her depression and mental health issues rather than experiences that took place before the fatal collision. 

Another expert testified that Sytch suffers from “severe alcohol abuse disorder” before recess was granted for lunch. 

Members of the Lasseter family, including the victim’s daughter and brother spoke after the break about the impact of losing Julian Lasseter, saying it changed everything about their worlds. Many viewers of the proceedings online stated that Sytch was staring at a wall during the family’s testimony. 

Following comments from the Lasseter family, Sytch spoke to the court.

“I have done something horrible but I am so much more than the worst that I have done,” Sytch said.

“When I sit alone thinking about what I did to the Lasseter family that tragic day from a stupid decision, I feel the regret and remorse deep inside my soul. I know that they don’t get to rest knowing that he is gone.”

“I know my words are not enough, but please know that I think about you every day,” Sytch said while turning to the Lasseter family. “Every second of every day. And I will do whatever I can to make the changes I need to make sure this never happens again.”

She would continue to say that she believes her downfall started with Chris Candido’s death in 2005.

“I feel that if I was given a chance to change to redeem myself and if I use my resources, my personal experiences, my history, and a little bit of the fame that I garnered a long time ago, I can be a true asset to the community by helping to educate our youth and adults about the dangers of drinking and driving, the dangers of not having your mental illness not properly treated, and the catastrophic events that can result from it.”

“I would ask that you give me the opportunity to atone for what I’ve done and then to be released into society to contribute to it in the most positive way possible. Thank you,” Sytch concluded her statement.

After reading through Sytch’s history of offenses, the prosecution asked that she be given the maximum sentence of 25 years. 

Sytch’s sentencing was live-streamed by Fox 35 Orlando.