DAG - NC has what is called the felony murder rule. That means that if a murder occurs during the commission of another felony, then anyone associated with the other felony can also be charged with capital murder. This woman was with others who had committed a bank robbery. Even though someone else pulled the trigger, all associated with the underlying felony can be charged capitally. This law is still on the books and it is still used. Prosecutors have discretion in charging, however, and if they don't feel that level of charge is appropriate, they do not charge that way.

See, I read the comments on this story and it makes me wonder. Don't get me wrong, I pray for the victims of all families, however, do you not realize that convicted murders and sex offenders get released everyday and have served even lesser sentences than these inmates have served? By the way, these same convicts were given "life" sentences as well. Then I read about the unfortunate accident in which the student was killed recently. According to what I read and how your message can be interpreted, this boy should serve life too because MURDER IS MURDER. I understand that it was an accident, but he knew better than to drive 90 miles/hour and at 17, he should NOT be charged as a youth offender, he should be charged as an Adult. He knew right from wrong.

rich son - Unless I slept through a decade or two, Democrats have run NC (the laws in question here are NC laws) since before I was born. There haven't been any Repugnican majorities in the GA in many years, and even a Repugnican Gov in NC can't veto bad bills. No, the Dems own this one in its entirety.

Why was she convicted of murder if an accomplice shot the officer? And if one can be convicted of murder for someone elses actions during a crime, why aren't more people charged like this? I'm missing something here...

Murder is murder and she should served the time that was given to her. After that only then should she be released.

I mean she was already left off of a death sentence that should have been enough. Come on look at the crime she committed. My heart goes out to the victims families they will NEVER get there loved ones back

She thought she was going to be home for Christmas. No so. She will be having her dinner in the prison dining room. But hey her family can still visit on certain days. Just let the prison officials know.

"The law is the law, whether we like it or not. So, they made a mistake in making the law what it was. Now, years later, it is discovered to not be the political thing to do, but the law HAS to be followed, or our whole system is a failure. Eventually they WILL be released. ( I dont condone this, but we have rules to follow) MamaDummy"

The name says it all.

There was no law that allows them to get out before 80 years (and there is not one now!).... they are playing some of you for fools. They are "mixing-n-matching" certain aspects that have arisen over the years to obtain a get-out-of-jail free card.

You actually think there is a law on the books that states: OK...you were sentenced to DEATH...but we will make that 80 years... and now we will cut that in half.... and then, let's see.... you were pretty good in jail so lets take away another handful of years... and OH BOY.... you get to go home!

Really believe that?

If she committed the crime 34 years ago and the law says she can get out in 40 instead of 80, that still leaves 6 years. She hasn't served 1/2 of her term yet. This new liberal law says up to 1/2 time credit (I thought).

All prisoners should remain in prison and served their time that was put forth to them in court. Cutting their time, telling us what? Allow them to serve their time for what was given to them and when they do that, only then should they be released.

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