JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Latest on Gov. Eric Greitens commuting the sentence of a Missouri woman imprisoned since 1982 (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
A former Springfield woman whose sentence was commuted by Gov. Eric Greitens has been released from prison after serving more than 35 years.
The Missouri Department of Corrections says Judy Henderson left the Chillicothe Correctional Center about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Henderson had been jailed since 1982. She was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for a robbery that left Springfield jeweler Harry Klein dead. Investigators have said Henderson persuaded Klein to drive out of town with her but he was shot to death by Henderson’s boyfriend.
Greitens noted Wednesday that the judge at Henderson’s trial said she played a “relatively minor” role in the crime. Supporters also said she received inadequate representation from her attorney.
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1:45 p.m.
Gov. Eric Greitens has commuted the life sentence of a former Springfield woman jailed since 1982 for her role in a homicide.
The governor announced Wednesday that he was commuting 68-year-old Judy Henderson’s sentence to time served. The governor’s spokesman said Greitens met with Henderson at the Chillicothe Correctional Center Wednesday to tell her the news. She is expected to be released later Wednesday.
Henderson was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 50 years for participating in a robbery that resulted in the shooting death of Springfield jeweler Harry Klein. Investigators said Henderson’s boyfriend shot Klein. The judge at Henderson’s trial said she played a “relatively minor” role in the crime.
Former Greene County prosecutor Thomas Mountjoy, who tried Henderson’s case, said he supports Greitens’ decision.
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