Mother of Murder Suspect Wants Lighter Sentence for Daughter

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — The mother of a Cleveland woman convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend more than three years ago talks to News 12 about what’s next for her daughter.

On Friday, Alina Sherlin will find out how much time she’ll spend behind bars.

The trial happened last spring, but the family is now pleading with the judge one last time before Alina’s sentencing hearing.

“Alina is innocent,” said Betty Sherlin, Alina’s mother. “It’s self-defense, from this breaking and entering.”

Alina was convicted of second degree murder in May.

“I just can’t even imagine that this even went to trial, with it being self-defense,” Sherlin said. “Breaking and entering – that a person has a right to defend their own life, and their own home.”

Sherlin says Alina’s ex-boyfriend broke into her home drunk in August 2013, and Alina shot him in self-defense.

“She’s always been honest. She does everything she can to reach out to help people, helping others. She’s just that type of person. She has a very good heart,” she said.

Even though Alina is supposed to be sentenced Friday, her mother believes there’s still hope.

“I hope that the judge will find it in his heart that God will soften his heart, and turn his heart to be lenient for her, and give her maybe probation. But she needs to be home with her mother and father.”

Sherlin says the family plans to appeal Alina’s conviction.

News 12 reached out to the District Attorney’s Office about Friday’s hearing, but we still haven’t heard back.