Tanya Holtz, 25, was sentenced to from one to two-and-a-half years in state prison last Tuesday for her involvement in the death of her husband, Donald Metz.

Metz was found deceased in his bed in early September 2006.

Holtz was arrested and charged with open murder after an autopsy revealed that Metz, 27, had died from a lethal overdose of methadone, a drug commonly used to treat heroin addiction.

She pleaded not guilty to the murder charge at her arraignment last March, but then entered into an agreement with the state in which she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

District Attorney Bob Beckett said an investigation by his office revealed that Holtz and Metz together had procured the methadone pills from their mutual friend, Chris Feingold.

Originally, it was thought that Holtz received the pills from Feingold alone and gave them to Donald Metz.

Because there was no evidence that the victim had been forced to take the pills, the state felt the involuntary manslaughter charge was more appropriate.

It was obvious at the sentencing, however, that the Metz family disagreed.

Family members and friends filled the gallery wearing T-shirts with Donald Metz's graduation photograph on them.

When the victim's mother, Melissa, took the stand, she said bluntly, "I would like to see her get 25 to life for the charge she'd originally gotten," Melissa Metz said. "That's what she would've gotten."

Breaking down in tears, she struggled to explain how her son's death had affected her.

"There's this big void ... there is no words how you lose a son," Melissa Metz said.

Donald's sister, Christina Schlapia also took the stand and described the loss of her brother.

"Tanya's actions have caused me to lose my only brother," Schlapia said. "In my opinion, I honestly think that Tanya had full intentions of killing my brother when she gave him the methadone."

The sibling added that she hoped Holtz got the maximum sentence "for the crime that she pleads guilty to."

Tom Gibson, representing Holtz, argued that she did not deserve a prison sentence but should be given probation.

First of all, the attorney argued, the state's recommendation of a prison term was based on the charges filed prior to Donald Metz's role in getting the methadone was discovered.

Furthermore, Gibson argued that Holtz's lack of a prior criminal record, willingness to enter a plea and voluntary involvement in a drug rehabilitation program also warranted probation.

"She didn't hold a gun to his head and say, 'Take these drugs'; she didn't poison him and put drugs into a drink or food he was consuming," Gibson said. "He knew exactly what he was doing, so she shouldn't be held to a prison term for something she didn't intend to do."

"In that case, maybe she should have gone to trial," Judge John P. Davis responded.

Holtz herself addressed the court.

"I'm very well aware of the fact that I, along with many other people, lost a lot when my husband passed away," Holtz said. "I'm really sorry about that ... I'm just trying to do what I can to turn around positively for myself, sir. I'd really like the opportunity to work hard, to continue to try to keep my life together."

Prosecuting for the state, Andre Lawson pointed out that Holtz was actually one conviction away from being designated a habitual criminal due to two previous misdemeanor charges.

Furthermore, Lawson said that Donald Metz's role in getting the lethal pills did not change the state's recommendation for a prison term.

Prior to sentencing, Davis explained his reasoning for giving Holtz prison time.

"This particular case is a grave concern to me, not so much for the defendant for straightening herself out and the progress that's she's made," Davis said. "My concern is general deterrence. My concern is she plead guilty to an act, a reckless act, that resulted in the death of this young man. That's what she said she did. It seems to allow somebody to go out of here, without paying a heavy price, it sets a tone in the community that is not a pretty thing to hear. It sets a tone that people can do these things and get a little slap on the wrist and go along their way."

Davis added that he felt the case should have gone to trial, but since it didn't, he had a responsibility to act in the best interest of the community.