Domestic Violence Survivor Freed After Serving 32 Years in 1981 Killing of her abuser
More: Woman Freed After Serving 32 Years in 1981 Killing
Mary Virginia Jones, 74, who was serving life without parole for her role in a 1981 murder, was freed from prison late Monday.
Jones walked out of Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood around 11 p.m. to big hugs from family and friends, who shared tears and laughter.
Patricia Elder, who calls Jones her “spiritual mother” because of her guidance during their time in prison together, hugged Jones tightly, as others discussed plans for meals and church services.
Earlier Monday, Judge William C. Ryan ordered Jones to be released after USC Law School’s Post-Conviction Justice Project argued that Jones’ abusive boyfriend had forced her at gunpoint to help rob and shoot two drug dealers, one of whom died.