GROVELAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Court TV) — A Michigan teen convicted of causing her father’s death by dousing him in a mixture of water and lye will be released from jail after her sentencing on Tuesday.
On June 15, Megan Imirowicz was convicted of unlawful possession or use of harmful devices causing death in the death of her father, Konrad Imirowicz. Judge Valentine imposed a sentence of one year in jail and five years probation, and gave her credit for the 17 months she already served.
“This is a serious crime that you have been found guilty of. The court does not believe that a child your age knew or understood the consequences of throwing the items at your father or the damage it would cause him,” Judge Valentine said.
The prosecutor, Jason DeSantis, immediately objected, saying the sentence was not proportional or reasonable to the crime the defendant was convicted of. “A person died…horribly.” DeSantis also requested a GPS tether for the duration of her probation, which the judge denied.
Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Imirowicz to 7 years. Michigan sentencing guidelines set the sentence between 51 and 85 months, according to the prosecutor.
Judge Valentine noted the objections, but held fast, though she did agree to a mental health assessment and a review in six months.
“I expect you to do good things Ms. Imirowicz…carry on your father’s name,” Judge Valentine concluded.
Megan Imirowicz reacts to the jury’s verdict. (Court TV)
At trial, prosecutors argued Megan tossed a mix containing lye powder and water on Konrad, 64, while he was napping on a couch at the family’s Groveland Township home on Oct. 1, 2021. She was 18 at the time.
According to police, Megan left her father unconscious after dousing him. The teen’s friend found Konrad. Investigators later found lye powder on the couch.
Konrad was hospitalized that day with chemical burns to his head, torso, and extremities. He spent months in intensive care, before being released to in-home hospice care in his final days.
Konrad succumbed to his injuries and died on March 6, 2022. Oakland County prosecutors charged Megan with unlawful possession or use of harmful devices (imitation/irritants) causing death, a felony, and misdemeanor domestic violence.
In a cellphone video presented as trial evidence, Megan claimed to have thrown a bag of bread at her father and later threw other items towards the end of the sofa, where there were chemicals. In a recorded interview with police, she said that she threw bread at her father and possibly water.
Lye powder is a common cleaning agent, often used in drains. When mixed with water, it creates what is known as an exothermic reaction — this causes a dramatic temperature increase, and the solution can reach as high as 200°F. The reaction results in fumes that, when inhaled, render people unconscious. By the time Konrad was discovered, he was severely burned and had lost consciousness.
In a statement following her conviction, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said, “This is a tragic case. The defendant lashed out in anger and wound up killing her father. I commend the prosecution team for the tremendous work that went into the prosecution and securing justice for the victim in this case.”
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 4 – 6/15/23
- The jury hears closing arguments
- The jury reaches a verdict
DAY 3 – 6/14/23
- The prosecution rested its case-in-chief.
- The emergency room doctor who treated Konrad Imirowicz said that he suffered chemical burns to more than 40% of his body.
- Konrad Imirowicz’s blood alcohol level was 0.255, well over the legal limit of 0.08, when it was tested on Oct. 1, 2021.
- Konrad Imirowicz told investigators that he and Megan argued the night before and said that it was not unusual for them to have verbal arguments.
- In a recorded interview with police, Megan Imirowicz said that she threw bread at her father and possibly water.
- The defense called Megan’s mother and younger sister to testify.
- Megan’s mother, Julie Conrad, described the home where Megan and Konrad Imirowicz lived as being like an episode of the television show ‘Hoarders.’
- WATCH: Megan Imirowicz’s Mother Testifies
DAY 2 – 6/13/23
- Megan Imirowicz’s brother, Austin, testified that his father, Konrad, told him that Megan threw a deadly chemical on him after an argument.
- Medical examiner Dr. Kanu Varani testified that Konrad Imirowicz died of chemical burns that compromised his kidneys and lungs.
- The defendant sent four cell phone videos to a family friend explaining her side of the story.
- Imirowicz claimed to have thrown a bag of bread at her father and later threw other items towards the end of the sofa, where there were chemicals.
- Oakland County Fire Chief Kevin Mason testified that Konrad Imirowicz’s skin was dark red and his skin tissue was badly damaged.
- WATCH: Sleeping Father Death Trial: Videos Played in Court
DAY 1 – 6/12/23
- 12 jurors and two alternates were chosen to hear evidence in the case.
- Prosecutor Jason DeSantis delivered the state’s opening argument.
- WATCH: Sleeping Father Death Trial: Prosecution Opening Statement
- DeSantis said that Konrad Imirowicz was intoxicated and passed out when lye and water were tossed on him.
- Attorney Richard Miller delivered the defense opening statement.
- WATCH: Sleeping Father Death Trial: Defense Opening Statement
- Miller said that there was no evidence of Konrad Imirowicz ever saying that his daughter attacked him.
- Kayla Bousquette, who was friends with Megan, testified that she was the person who found Konrad.
- Kayla described his body as being discolored from burns – his legs were green and his hands and fingers were red and purple.
- WATCH: Sleeping Father Death Trial: Defendant’s Former Friend Testifies
- WATCH: Sleeping Father Death Trial: Day 1
