An 18-year-old woman, Bryanna Barozzini, has been charged with murder in relation to the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old girl, Halia Culbertson, outside a convenience store in Columbus, Ohio. The incident reportedly began with an altercation inside the store, which later spilled out into the parking lot.
During Barozzini’s court appearance on Tuesday, her defense attorney, Robert Krapenc, argued that the stabbing was an act of self-defense. However, he declined to provide further details on the matter. Barozzini is currently out on a $750,000 bond, according to Franklin County court records.
Information regarding her plea has not yet been made available.
Witnesses reported to the police that Barozzini and Culbertson were involved in a fight inside the convenience store before the conflict escalated outside. It is alleged that Barozzini stabbed Culbertson and subsequently fled the scene. Culbertson was quickly taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
Court records reveal that Barozzini later admitted to swinging a knife at Culbertson. She was arrested at her home in Westerville, Ohio.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses for Culbertson, who is described as “the most loving and outgoing person” who cared for those close to her and was dearly loved by all.
Barozzini is scheduled to appear in court again on April 6.