Judge releases woman from prison for her role in her nephew's death

YOUNGSTOWN — A woman who pleaded guilty to gross abuse of a corpse and child endangering in the 2001 murder and dismemberment of her nephew has been released from prison.

Jennifer L. Snyder, 36, has been in prison since December 2007 after being sentenced to a four-year sentence in the death of James P. Higham, 15.

Snyder appeared today before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court asking for judicial release from incarceration.

Robert Bush, chief of the criminal division of the county prosecutor’s office, was present for the hearing and told the court the prosecutor’s office would not oppose Snyder’s request.

Judge Sweeney granted the request, placing Snyder on three years’ parole. She must undergo random drug testing while on parole.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com