Judge Refuses Withdrawal of North Idaho Woman’s Guilty Plea

GRANGEVILLE, Idaho (AP) — 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.