A Lawrence County man has learned his fate when he was convicted of shooting and killing his girlfriend in 2023.

Thirty-four-year-old Michael Work of Bessemer Borough was handed a sentence of six to 12 years in prison on a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter. He was originally charged with criminal homicide.

Prosecutors say Work used the "heat of passion" defense in order to get a reduced sentence. Heat of passion is defined as an intense emotional state that can cause someone to react without thinking rationally.

The charge stems from the shooting death of Work's girlfriend, 33-year-old Brandi Genova (pictured below) back in June of 2023. Members of Genova's family tell 21 News they wish Work would have gotten a much harsher sentence of at least 40 years behind bars.

 

 

New Castle PSP said Work told a member of his family he had shot and killed Genova in the couple's home. Troopers later found Genova's body in the home.

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