NEO woman gets life in roommate's death

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A Northeast Ohio woman has been sentenced to life in prison with a chance of parole in 18 years for the stabbing death of her housemate.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that 45-year-old Roxanne Buck of Stow in suburban Akron testified at her jury trial that she was innocent and that 21-year-old Michelle Johnson was already dead when she found her.

Prosecutors argued that blood evidence linked Buck to the slaying. She was sentenced Tuesday.

Johnson’s body was found hidden under blankets in a shed in March. Buck was arrested after blood was found in the home and on books inside her car. Buck rented a room from Johnson’s mother.

The newspaper reports that it’s unclear why Buck would have killed Johnson. Buck’s attorney says an appeal is planned.