Woman Who Strangled 92-Year-Old Roommate Sentenced: Reports

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A Kensington woman was sentenced Friday to 23 years in prison for strangling her 92-year-old roommate to death in 2021, according to reports.

Julia Birch, 28, pleaded guilty in March to second-degree murder in the death of her roommate and family friend Nancy Ann Frankel. While a judge sentenced her to 40 years in prison, only 23 years were suspended, FOX Baltimore reported. Birch must also complete 240 hours of community service following her release.

In July 2021, Birch told police she tried to suffocate Frankel by putting a plastic bag over her head, Montgomery Community Media reported. Once Frankel poked a hole in the bag, Birch strangled her to death, reports said.

After Frankel died, Birch staged her body o look more presentable by laying her on a pillow, folding her arms over her chest, and putting perfume on her, WJLA reported.

Following her arrest, Birch was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, MCM reported. The doctor also determined Birch had psychotic symptoms at the time of the murder.

Despite her diagnosis, Birch "still understood murder was wrong and could control her conduct to conform to the law," the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office said.