Oklahoma woman to request sentence commutation after 33 years behind bars

An inmate who has spent over 30 years in prison will request an early release before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board on Tuesday.

72-year-old Cathy Lamb has spent the last 33 years in prison, with corrections officials calling her a "model inmate."

Lamb admits to shooting and killing 23-year-old Darrell Lovell in 1991 but claims the shooting was in self-defense.

Lamb's case has caught the attention of criminal justice advocates as well as her case's original prosecutor, who says Lamb's punishment is excessive.

However, family members of Lovell say Lamb does not deserve a second chance.

On Monday, Lovell's son urged the Pardon and Parole Board to deny Lamb's commutation request.

At Tuesday's hearing, Lamb plans to read a personal letter asking for her early release.

If the board votes in her favor, the case will move to Gov. Kevin Stitt's desk for final approval.