Survivors Who Killed Their Abusers Face Life Sentences in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s 2024 Survivors' Act lets people serving long sentences seek resentencing if abuse substantially contributed to their crimes; one woman was freed under the law while several others were denied and are pursuing appeals.

A new Oklahoma law, the Survivors' Act, allows people serving time to seek reduced sentences when judges find that domestic abuse substantially contributed to their crimes. Reporter Pamela Colloff covered multiple resentencing hearings at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. One woman, Lisa Rae Moss, was ordered freed after a judge found the abuse she endured was a substantial contributing factor. Several other women who sought relief were denied and their cases are moving through appeal. Known developments: - The Oklahoma Survivors' Act was signed into law in May 2024 and requires judges to reduce sentences when abuse is found to be a substantial contributing factor. - Lisa Rae Moss received resentencing and was released after a judge found clear and convincing evidence of long-term abuse. - Several other prisoners at Mabel Bassett, including April Wilkens, were denied relief after hearings; Wilkens has appealed to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. - Tulsa County prosecutors, led by District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, actively opposed some applications; Colleen McCarty, who represented several applicants, announced a run for district attorney. Summary: The Survivors' Act has produced contrasting results: it enabled at least one immediate release but also led to multiple denials, underscoring how local prosecutors and judges shape outcomes. Wilkens’s appeal to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals is expected to influence how the law is applied, though appellate review may take years.