A 27-year-old woman from Oklahoma has been convicted of manslaughter in the first degree for the 2022 shooting death of her girlfriend, 24-year-old Brianne Torres. The jury’s recommendation of a 35-year sentence comes after a tumultuous trial, with the formal sentencing set for June 11.
The Incident and Trial Details
The tragic event took place in the early hours of October 7, 2022, at an apartment complex on Rockwell Avenue in Oklahoma City. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, Rana Sievert shot Torres during a heated argument.
The altercation began with verbal conflict and escalated into a physical fight. Sievert claimed Torres had put her in a headlock, and after escaping, Sievert went to the bedroom to retrieve a handgun. Both women reportedly struggled to reach the gun, but Sievert ultimately gained control of it and shot Torres, who was six to eight feet away at the time. Sievert stated that she acted out of fear.
However, the situation took a darker turn when, after shooting Torres, Sievert reportedly cut off her leg post-mortem. This act was not part of the initial trial evidence but was later introduced by the prosecution after an appellate court ruling, which emphasized Sievert’s actions after the murder and her potential guilt.
Court Rulings and Evidence
Earlier in the case, the court had initially barred the introduction of the mutilation of Torres’ leg, as it was deemed not closely connected to the manslaughter itself.
However, the appellate court allowed the evidence to be presented, noting that Sievert admitted to cutting the victim’s leg during a police interview. Sievert explained her actions as being driven by paranoia from marijuana use and anger from the earlier altercation.
The evidence presented during the trial revealed that after shooting Torres, Sievert paced around the apartment for over an hour before calling 911. She did not attempt to help Torres and instead focused on her own actions in the aftermath of the shooting.
Jury Verdict and Sentencing
During the trial, the jury was presented with the testimony that Sievert had shot Torres after an intense argument and had later caused additional harm to her in a fit of anger.
The jurors convicted Sievert of manslaughter in the first degree, with the recommendation of a 35-year sentence. Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna expressed that the verdict was a reflection of the severity of Sievert’s actions and the profound impact on Torres’ loved ones.
“This verdict and the recommended sentence reflect the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the devastating consequences of that night,” Behenna said in a statement. “While no outcome can undo the loss suffered by the victim’s loved ones, we hope this verdict brings them a measure of justice for Bree.”
Sievert’s formal sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2026.
