The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld a controversial sentencing decision for Megan Imirowicz, a young woman who caused her father’s death by attacking him with a dangerous substance in 2021.
The incident began when Imirowicz, then 18, became upset with her father, Konrad Imirowicz, 64, who was too intoxicated to drive her to a hair appointment before her birthday celebration. In a heated moment, she threw lye, a caustic chemical drain cleaner, on him while he was asleep, causing extensive burns and severe injuries.
The attack left Konrad Imirowicz with debilitating injuries, including burns that required extensive medical interventions such as kidney dialysis, a tracheotomy, and the amputation of both legs. He succumbed to his injuries five months later.
Prosecutors charged Megan Imirowicz with the use of harmful devices/irritants causing death, a serious offense.
Despite sentencing guidelines that recommended a minimum prison term of four years, Oakland County Judge Victoria Valentine imposed a one-year jail sentence, citing the defendant’s young age, immaturity, and potential for rehabilitation as mitigating factors.
Prosecutors appealed the light sentence, arguing it did not reflect the severity of the crime. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision, stating, “The trial court provided ample justification for the sentence imposed.”
The three-judge panel further noted that while the injuries and subsequent death were tragic, they alone did not constitute an abuse of discretion by the trial court.
At her sentencing hearing, Imirowicz expressed remorse, describing her late father as her “best friend.” She criticized prosecutors, claiming they had tried to portray her as a “monster,” which she refuted.
Imirowicz had already served approximately 17 months in custody before her trial and was released immediately after sentencing. She is currently on probation, which is set to conclude in July 2028.
