Sisters accused of attempted murder after police say they tried to strangle mom with USB cords

WILLOWICK, Ohio – Police in Ohio say two sisters tried to strangle their mother with computer cables on Thanksgiving morning.

Jennifer Barnes and Joanna Barnes — both in their 20s — pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges on Monday and are due back in court Wednesday.

Police in Willowick, east of Cleveland, say the two wrapped USB cables around their 56-year-old mother's neck last Thursday, but she escaped. Investigators say in court papers that one of the sisters then tried to smother the woman with a pillow before fleeing the home.

Willowick Police Chief Michael Lazor says the mother went to a hospital the next day with neck injuries.

A message seeking comment on the accusations was left with Joanna Barnes' attorney. Court records didn't say if Jennifer Barnes has an attorney.