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Arkansas Woman Who Had Been Convicted In Husband's Killing To Get Parole

Department of Correction

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he will commute the sentence of a woman convicted more than three decades ago of fatally shooting her husband, who had physically abused her.

Hutchinson on Wednesday announced his intent to make Willie Mae Harris immediately eligible for parole.

Harris was convicted in 1985 of first degree murder in the shooting death of her husband.

Harris admitted to shooting her husband, but has said it was an accident related to self defense.

Harris is legally blind and the state Parole Board has recommended she receive clemency several times over the years.

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