Texas man seeks divorce from wife on death row

On Behalf of | Jul 7, 2011 | Firm News

The husband of a Texas death row inmate has announced plans to divorce his incarcerated wife, who was arrested and convicted for killing one of the couple’s sons. He explained that the decision was difficult to reach, but mutual. The man told reporters that while he does not believe his wife is guilty, he feels the need to move on from the marriage, which he says has been “in limbo” since his wife entered prison.

The woman was convicted in 1997 for the killing of her 5-year-old son. She was charged with killing her 6-year-old son as well, but was never tried. The woman still asserts that an intruder killed her children and stabbed her in the family’s Texas home.

While the couple’s divorce filing indicates that the reason for the divorce is a “conflict of personalities,” people who know the couple say that there is little animosity between the two. The woman’s mother agreed with the decision to split. She too believes her daughter is innocent, but explained that her son-in-law should move on. The conviction, she went on to contend, ruined the couple’s marriage. The woman, who is one of 10 women death row inmates at her prison, plans to appeal her conviction.

The divorce petition stipulates that all estate and property division will be conducted in the best interests of the couple’s 15-year-old son, who currently lives with his father.

While this is not an everyday divorce case, this couple will still have to go through many of the same things that others divorcing in Texas will face. If you have decided to file for divorce, seeking professional legal advice may be helpful in understanding your rights and options.

Source: nbcdfw.com, “Death Row Inmate’s Husband Files for Divorce,” Betsy Blaney 02 July 2011

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