Las Vegas Woman Sentenced in Boyfriend’s Death After Tampon Found in His Trash

In a shocking case out of Las Vegas, 31-year-old Julie Bush has been sentenced to 12 to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and DUI in the 2024 death of her boyfriend, 51-year-old Richard Penardo Jr.

The fatal incident stemmed from a heated confrontation after Bush discovered a tampon — allegedly belonging to another woman — in Penardo’s trash.

According to court documents, the discovery sparked an argument that quickly escalated into violence.

Penardo reportedly attacked Bush’s car with a steel chain, shattering the windows.

In response, Bush accelerated the vehicle, hitting Penardo and slamming him into a brick wall, according to KLAS.

Chief Deputy Special Public Defender Lisa Chamlee-Brainard stated in a sentencing memo that both Bush and Penardo were “under the influence of controlled substances” at the time.

After striking him, Bush reportedly exited the vehicle and attempted to render aid. Penardo died from his injuries the following day.

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During her sentencing on Tuesday (June 17), Bush expressed deep remorse and stunned the courtroom with five emotional words: “I love him very much…”

“I’m sorry that he passed away, and I wish I could change it, but I can’t,” she added. “I know there’s not a sentence in the world that’s going to make anybody satisfied.”

Bush’s public defender noted she is the mother of a five-year-old child, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already tragic case.