A woman who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh three years ago was sentenced to over eight years in prison on Friday. Sophie Roske, now 29, was arrested near Kavanaugh’s home in June 2022. During her arrest, she confessed to intending to kill the justice and then take her own life.
Appearing in court in a yellow jail jumpsuit, Roske was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman to 97 months in prison, or eight years and one month. The judge acknowledged that Roske had shown remorse for her actions, adding that she had taken full responsibility. Roske, who is transgender, was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release.
At the sentencing, both Roske’s family and Kavanaugh’s attended the proceedings. In the courtroom, Coreen Mao, representing the Department of Justice, argued that the crime was premeditated. Roske had purchased weapons on nine different occasions and had searched online for information about serial killers and mass shootings. The government requested a 30-year sentence, emphasizing that Roske had been determined to carry out the assassination, and that if not for the presence of law enforcement near Kavanaugh’s home, she would have followed through.
However, Roske’s public defender, Ellie Marranzini, presented a different view, stating that Roske had changed her mind about killing Kavanaugh while en route to his home. She added that there was no evidence Roske noticed the U.S. marshals stationed nearby. The defense also argued that Roske’s decision to call 911 and turn herself in was an important factor in her case.
Roske’s parents spoke in court, expressing belief in their daughter’s potential to turn her life around. Her father, Vernon Roske, said he believed Sophie could still be a positive member of society, while her mother, Colleen Roske, said it was completely out of character for Sophie to hurt anyone.
Sophie Roske also addressed the court, apologizing to Justice Kavanaugh and his family. She explained that after abandoning her plan to kill Kavanaugh, she had intended to take her own life but was given hope after receiving a phone call from her sister.
Kavanaugh’s wife and mother were present at the hearing, along with representatives from the Supreme Court’s police department. Before finalizing the sentence, Judge Boardman acknowledged the harm caused to Kavanaugh and his family by Roske’s actions.
Connect Yourself with us for more security news