Woman Gets Life In Prison for Killing Husband
Spouse abuse comes in many forms, it’s not every day that you hear about a woman killing her husband with a hammer though. A judge ruled Friday that an Arizona woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for brutally killing her husband with a hammer. She was also denied a chance at parole.
Judge’s Ruling for Woman who Killed Husband with Hammer
The jury that convicted Marissa Devault in the January 2009 killing of Dale Harrell had spared her the death penalty in late April and instead handed down a life sentence. It was up to a judge to formally impose the sentence and decide whether Devault would have a chance at parole.
Even though DeVault’s three daughters gave some pretty heartfelt pleas for lenience for their mother, the judge still picked the harsher punishment.
Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle, didn’t believe Devault’s claim of domestic abuse, he believed that she just killed her husband out of greed. He didn’t think she was remorseful and claimed that there was nothing in the record that showed that she deserved parole.
The prosecutors believe that the thirty six year old Devault killed her husband in a failed attempt to collect the life insurance policy. She needed to repay about $300,000 of debt from her boyfriend. According to Devault however, she told the police that she only killed her husband in self defense. He “physically” and “sexually” abused her in the past.
Her husbands passing was slow, the thirty-four year old didn’t die until after a month of being with hospice due to complications from his head injuries.
Phoenix Homicide Lawyer
Criminal Defense Cases
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Expert Witnesses
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Homicide Defense Strategy
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Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face
We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.
Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
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Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
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