National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women

Gaile Owens' death sentence commuted

Fabulous news! On July 14, Gaile Owens, who was scheduled to be executed on September 28, 2010, had her death sentence commuted by Governor Bredesen of Tennessee. Not only does this decision save her life, it makes her eligible for parole as early as 2011.

Gaile Owens experienced decades of abuse - first by her husband and then by a criminal legal system that failed her at every turn. The National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women is extraordinarily grateful to Governor Bredesen for intervening to stop this execution and to prevent what would have been an extreme travesty of justice. The Governor's decision was the right and just thing to do. Click this box for more information!

Last updated on July 15, 2010