Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A woman who was convicted of murder at the age of 14 and sentenced to life in prison will be paroled to hospice care so she can receive treatment for breast cancer.
The Iowa Parole Board ordered a compassionate release for Kristina Fetters, who was convicted of murdering her great aunt in 1995. Fetters was diagnosed with inoperable State Four breast cancer in September.
Fetters' friends and family pleaded with the parole board, which reviewed her case and determined she would receive better care outside of prison. The board also determined that, while Fetters had not been a model prisoner, she did not pose a threat to society due to her condition.
A doctor said she was responding to treatment, but agreed that outside care could be more effective.
“This has been a 19 year old tragedy for my family," said Nancy Olson, Fetters' aunt. "This will bring closure for my family. This will help us all cope a little bit better with the situation."
The parole board emphasized the release was to hospice care only, and should Fetters respond to treatment and no longer need hospice, her case would be reviewed. At that point, she could be released or returned to prison.
Pending approval by the 5th Judicial district, Fetters is expected to be moved to hospice care within two weeks.
[WHOTV]
