N. Idaho woman sentenced for beating death
GRANGEVILLE, Idaho — A north-central Idaho woman’s request to withdraw her voluntary manslaughter guilty plea has been rejected.
Twenty-eight-year-old Tara R. Mendenhall also on Monday received the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $5,000.
The Lewiston Tribune reports that 2nd District Court Judge Michael J. Griffin told Mendenhall that it will take a long time for her to change considering her prior felony violence convictions, alcohol abuse and lack of education.
Mendenhall in September 2013 beat 45-year-old Lora K. Vandenburg.
Vandenburg died on Oct. 8 from bleeding in the brain.
