qwerty
05-03-2007, 12:09 PM
Mo. to Free 2 Who Killed Abusive Mates
Tuesday May 1, 2007 9:01 PM
By KELLY WIESE
Associated Press Writer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The state parole board has agreed to release two women from prison two years after the governor commuted their life sentences for killing abusive husbands.
The action was long overdue, a lawyer for one of the women said Tuesday.Shirley Lute, 76, has been imprisoned since 1981, when she was convicted of aiding her son in killing her husband, Melvin, whom she claims physically tortured and mentally tormented her. Lynda Branch, 54, was convicted of shooting her husband, Raymond, in 1986; she contends she got control of the gun only after her husband threatened to shoot her and her daughter.
Both women were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for at least 50 years, but Gov. Bob Holden commuted their terms in late 2004, just before he left office, making them immediately eligible for parole.
However, the Board of Probation and Parole refused to grant them release, saying that ``would depreciate the seriousness'' of their crimes.
The Supreme Court ordered the board to reconsider, and the panel acted Monday.
Read the full story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6600959,00.html
Tuesday May 1, 2007 9:01 PM
By KELLY WIESE
Associated Press Writer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The state parole board has agreed to release two women from prison two years after the governor commuted their life sentences for killing abusive husbands.
The action was long overdue, a lawyer for one of the women said Tuesday.Shirley Lute, 76, has been imprisoned since 1981, when she was convicted of aiding her son in killing her husband, Melvin, whom she claims physically tortured and mentally tormented her. Lynda Branch, 54, was convicted of shooting her husband, Raymond, in 1986; she contends she got control of the gun only after her husband threatened to shoot her and her daughter.
Both women were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for at least 50 years, but Gov. Bob Holden commuted their terms in late 2004, just before he left office, making them immediately eligible for parole.
However, the Board of Probation and Parole refused to grant them release, saying that ``would depreciate the seriousness'' of their crimes.
The Supreme Court ordered the board to reconsider, and the panel acted Monday.
Read the full story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6600959,00.html