A 32-year-old woman, Terreionna Paschal, was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the 2023 murder of Cleveland State University professor Todd Morgan. The sentencing took place on September 19 in Akron, Ohio, where the judge addressed Morgan’s grieving family, acknowledging the gravity of the crime. “There’s nothing this court can do to make this easier,” the judge said, emphasizing that Paschal’s guilty plea spared the family from the trauma of a trial. Paschal also addressed the family, expressing remorse, saying, “I’m very sorry and hope that one day you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.”

Todd Morgan, an assistant professor in the Department of Management at Cleveland State, was found dead in his Hudson home on April 19, 2023, after police conducted a welfare check. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and torso. Authorities linked Paschal to the crime through her activity on dating apps, where she had connected with Morgan. Investigations revealed that Paschal had searched online for Morgan’s profile and home images the day before their meeting. Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich explained that Morgan had no reason to suspect anything would go wrong during their first in-person encounter.

Paschal was arrested soon after the murder and charged with aggravated murder, among other serious offenses. During the sentencing, Morgan’s family members, including his mother, gave emotional victim impact statements. Morgan’s mother, in a heartfelt address, described her son’s dedication to education and the profound loss felt by his loved ones. While expressing deep grief, she also extended a message of forgiveness, rooted in her Christian faith, urging Paschal to repent for the crime.

“Todd deserves to know what really happened that day,” Morgan’s mother said, asking Paschal to reveal the full truth about her son’s final moments. She concluded by offering Paschal a path to spiritual redemption, hoping she would seek forgiveness during her time in prison. “May God help you, Miss Paschal,” she said, voicing a hope that in Paschal’s darkest moments, she might find the courage to repent and seek peace.