Arizona woman jailed for murder parole eligible

[waitingfor2013]

From Fox Ten.

She has already been released.

PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Jan Brewer has commuted the life sentence of a woman who was convicted in the 1963 murder of a child.


Read the entire article below:

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/19...arole-eligible

Edited by Moderator to comform with PTO's Copyright Rules

[Paulie'sGirl]

Sadly, what is she going to do...she has been locked up since the 1960's and has no clue about technology, she has no education, no career perspective, no income, she is walking out (most likely) without any family support. I have followed her story for some time, and I am thrilled that she has been released, but I also wonder where she will be ONE month or even ONE year from now.

If I remember correctly, she was a care giver, and took care of a child. She was also perceived as being mentally "retarded" at the time. Of course, this was the 60's, and a different world back then. She was convicted of murdering the child that she was taking care of, and in court she was almost completely clueless that what she did was "wrong". Can you imagine, today, hiring a nanny, who was mentally "retarded" to take care of children. She was in her late teens or early 20's and had the capacity of a 10 year old and was hired as a care giver?

[LadeeInWaiting]

I just hope that they have some support services lined up for her. She has been locked up longer than I have been alive.. and I am far from my 20's. Trying to adjust to society after such an extended period of time is almost unthinkable --- let alone while having a mental handicap ! Very sad story -- all around.

[chiclet]

Originally Posted by waitingfor2013

From Fox Ten.

She has already been released.

PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Jan Brewer has commuted the life sentence of a woman who was convicted in the 1963 murder of a child.


Read the entire article below:

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/19...arole-eligible

Edited by Moderator to comform with PTO's Copyright Rules

Betty Smithy was the longest serving female prisoner in the U.S. She was granted Absolute Discharge yesterday and walked out of Perryville yesterday to the welcome of her supporters from Middle Ground Prison Reform and AZ Justice Project. Betty will be 70years old in October. Middle Ground has created a Transition Fund for her and she has a support system in place. See middlegroundprisonreform.org for how to help.

[Paulie'sGirl]

Thank goodness...I also read somewhere, that she has a niece that lives in Mesa that is taking her in...

I just hated to see a woman who has been incarcerated as long as she has, trying to survive without any support!!!