FORT WORTH, Texas -- A jury that convicted Pamela Fielder of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of her gynecologist-husband sentenced her Tuesday to two years in prison, the minimum term allowed by law.
The panel, which had indicated Monday night it was seriously divided over the sentence, reached a decision about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, after examining evidence that had been presented during the four week trial.
Mrs. Fielder, who was tried on murder charges in the July 23, 1981, shooting death of Dr. Darwin Fielder could have received probation or a prison term of up to 20 years.
The panel chose a two-year prison term, the minimum allowed under law.
Mrs. Fielder's attorneys indicated they would appeal the decision.
The jury deliberated five hours Monday without reaching a verdict, and attorneys for both sides had feared a second mistrial wouldbe declared in the case.
The first mistrial occurred because the prosecution had failed to divulge some evidence to the defense.
Mrs. Fielder, 37, was accused of murdering her husband after she told him she wanted a divorce. She said he became angry when he learned she would tell the divorce lawyer about various 'sex toys' she said he kept in a room he called 'The Cave.' She said she then shot Fielder in self defense.
