Terreionna Paschal, 32, has been sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for the murder of Cleveland State University professor Todd Morgan.
Paschal, who pleaded guilty to the crime, was sentenced in Akron, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 2024, by a Summit County judge. The case has left a profound impact on both Morgan’s family and the academic community.
The tragic incident occurred in April 2023, when authorities discovered Morgan’s body in his Hudson home during a welfare check. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso.
Paschal was arrested shortly thereafter, having been connected to the crime through computer records showing that she and Morgan met on dating apps.
On April 18, 2023, Paschal searched for Morgan’s profile and details about his home, leading up to their fateful meeting the next day.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge addressed the emotional toll on the victim’s family, stating that while no court decision could “make this better,” the avoidance of a trial spared the family additional trauma.
“There would be images and things that you would have to see that you could never unsee,” the judge said, thanking Paschal for taking responsibility and pleading guilty, thus avoiding a drawn-out trial.
Paschal, in her brief statement during the hearing, expressed remorse to the victim’s family, saying:
“To his [Morgan’s] family, I’m very sorry and hope that one day you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.”
Morgan’s family, particularly his mother, delivered emotional victim impact statements. His mother spoke for over ten minutes, describing Morgan’s passion for education and his role as an assistant professor in Cleveland State University’s Monte Ahuja College of Business. Addressing Paschal directly, she stated:
“I serve a God of love and a God of justice. I know that it is not God’s will for anyone — not even you. What he wants is that you truly repent for this evil act you have committed.”
The case has been described as an isolated incident, with Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich confirming that Morgan and Paschal mutually agreed to meet, with no indication that their first in-person encounter would turn deadly.
Paschal was initially indicted on charges including aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, aggravated robbery, and theft.
The severity of the charges, combined with the emotional impact on the family, resulted in her significant prison sentence.
