Woman Convicted of Attacking Man With Sledgehammer Claims ‘I’m Not Violent’

A Florida woman who beat a man to death with a sledgehammer was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder on Monday, August 17.

Per an August 18 report by CourtTV, Journee McGrew, 22, alleged that the victim, Waduta Woodley, 41, had sexually abused and groomed her beginning at just 8 years old. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD and was involuntarily committed into treatment in 2024.

After losing her health insurance in 2025, McGrew stopped taking her medication, according to her legal team.

On July 2, 2025, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers were called for a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, however, they discovered Woodley in the stairwell at McGrew’s apartment suffering from blunt force injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Woodley was pronounced dead.

Investigators found a note written in green highlighter that read, “PEDO Touches Children.”

McGrew admitted to luring Woodley to her home with promises of sex, but had no plans to attack him.

“I just started swinging with the hammer,” she said in court, per CourtTV.

“I really wasn’t in my right mind,” McGrew testified. “I’m not violent…I’m sorry about what I did. I know how much I impacted your family and also mine. I’m really sorry for what happened.”

Judge Lindsay Tygart sentenced McGrew to 45 years in prison with credit for the 411 days she’s already served, the outlet reported.