A jury found a Cobb County woman guilty of running down two sheriff’s deputies, but ruled she is mentally ill.
Candida Rychell Summerlin, 34, has been jailed since May 31, 2013, when she hit the deputies outside the Cobb jail. That afternoon, Summerlin was inside a blue Chevrolet rental car in the jail's parking lot when she was asked to turn down her loud music, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.
When she was warned the second time, Summerlin drove away, first striking Lt. Becky Westenberger with her car and then Sgt. Shane Kite, who was running to assist Westenberger, police previously said. Both deputies survived the assault, which was captured on surveillance videos at the jail.
Summerlin was found guilty but mentally ill on all 13 charges — two counts of criminal attempt to commit malice murder; two counts of criminal attempt to commit felony murder; two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer; aggravated battery; two counts of hit and run; fleeing or eluding a peace officer; two counts of criminal damage to property; and interference with government property.
“The jury has held this defendant accountable for her actions, and it sends a clear message that you cannot attack police officers in Cobb County,” District Attorney Vic Reynolds said in an emailed statement. “I am very proud of these officers, and the courage, dedication and service that they provide our community every day. We will be requesting a lengthy prison sentence for this defendant at the sentencing date.”
Summerlin’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5.
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