Woman Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter

News Release

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Bryn Spejcher (DOB 01/25/91), of Thousand Oaks, was convicted by a jury of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Chad O’Melia, whom she had been dating for a few weeks.

On May 27, 2018, Spejcher went to Mr. O’Melia’s apartment in Thousand Oaks, where both took several hits from a bong loaded with marijuana. Spejcher had an adverse reaction to the marijuana and suffered from what experts call Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder. During that psychotic episode, Spejcher stabbed Mr. O’Melia multiple times killing him. She also stabbed herself repeatedly.

In the early morning hours of May 28, 2018, law enforcement arrived at the apartment to find Mr. O’Melia in a pool of blood and Spejcher screaming hysterically with a knife still in her hands. Before law enforcement could disarm her, Spejcher plunged the knife into her own neck. Officers used a taser and several baton blows before they were able to finally disarm Spejcher. A long-serrated bread knife was taken from her hands. Paramedics pronounced Mr. O’Melia dead at the scene.

Ventura County Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger prosecuted the case.

“This was a hard-fought case where the victim’s family had to wait a long time for justice and I am grateful for the jury’s verdict,” Nafziger said. “We will continue with the presentation of evidence on Monday.”

A court trial for the charged special allegations and enhancements is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 47 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

Case: 2018018798

Defendant Information:

Bryn Spejcher (DOB 01/25/91)

Thousand Oaks

Convicted of:

• PC 192(b) – Involuntary Manslaughter by an unlawful act

Special Allegations charged:

• PC 12022(b)(1) – Use of a deadly weapon (knife)
• PC 1192.7(c)(8) – Serious felony
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence
• CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – The defendant was armed with and used a weapon in the commission of the crime