'The grief doesn't end': Norma Lumpkin resentencing hearing set for Thursday

A resentencing hearing is set for an Oklahoma woman convicted of killing her husband in 1981. Norma Lumpkin claims domestic violence under the state's Survivor’s Act.

Wednesday, July 30th 2025, 5:19 pm

By: Ethan Wright

TULSA, Okla. -

An Oklahoma woman convicted of killing her husband more than 40 years ago will return to court on Thursday in Tulsa County. Norma Lumpkin, now 75, was sentenced to life without parole in the early 1980s and is seeking resentencing under the state’s Survivor’s Act.

Conviction and Allegations

Norma Jane Lumpkin was convicted in 1981 of first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Gilbert Lumpkin, following a jury trial in Tulsa County District Court.

A former prosecutor told News On 6 that Lumpkin notified her neighbor of her plan to kill Gilbert and collect a $200,000 life insurance policy.

Court documents say that when pulled over by a Tulsa County Sheriff's Officer, Lumpkin stated, "Well, I guess I've been had. I was afraid of him; I had to kill him."

Seeking Resentencing Under Oklahoma’s Survivor’s Act

The Survivor’s Act, which took effect in 2024, allows certain incarcerated survivors of abuse to petition for reduced sentences based on factors such as age or history of domestic violence. At 75, Norma Lumpkin has filed for resentencing under this law.

Family Disputes Abuse Claims

Lumpkin has argued that she was a victim of domestic violence. However, during interviews, Gilbert Lumpkin’s family has strongly disputed that narrative. They also say they were not properly notified of the resentencing hearing in time to attend or respond.

"There's a lot of women out there and men and men, I'm not going to say just women, but there's a lot of men also that have been abused. This belittles their ability for justice," is what the victim's family said about the situation.

Legal Representation & Hearing Details

As of now, court records list no legal representation for Norma Lumpkin. The resentencing hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, July 31st, in Tulsa County District Court.

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🕒 What Comes Next

News On 6 will monitor courtroom proceedings and provide updates on whether Norma Lumpkin’s sentence is modified—or if she remains in custody.

Ethan Wright

Ethan Wright graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Communication Studies from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Ethan joined the News On 6 team as a multimedia journalist in January 2025.