PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A woman has been sentenced to 26 active years in prison for the murder of a man at a holiday party in Portsmouth.
Ramya Stewart's sentencing comes after a two-day trial in November, where she was accused of killing Johnnie Freeman, 33, on Dec. 25, 2022. She was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and shooting in the commission of a felony.
According to the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the shooting happened at a holiday party at Stewart's home. While inside, Freeman got involved in an incident with Stewart and her relative.
Freeman left the house and stood outside with his girlfriend when Stewart came outside to the porch and shot him in the head. Medics pronounced Freeman dead shortly before 11:15 that night.
Stewart is sentenced to serve 25 years for the first-degree murder conviction with two years suspended and two years supervised probation upon release.
Stewart was also sentenced to three years for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and five years suspended for shooting in the commission of a felony. For the last charge, she will have six months of supervised probation upon release.
