Knox Woman Sentenced to 40 Year Prison Term in 2001 Could be Released from Prison this May

Lisa Owens

A story that shocked the listening area almost 10 years ago is being updated this week. On May 21st, 2001, Lisa Owens shot and killed her husband Jeff, leaving his body in the shower for several days. In a trial, she was found guilty of an amended charge of Voluntary Manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

WKVI News has found out this week that Lisa Owens could be released from the Rockville Correctional Facility as early as May 23rd of this year.

Noting that Owens had maintained an excellent conduct record while incarcerated, Judge Raymond Kickbush has approved a petition to modify her previously imposed sentence. His original pronouncement placed her earliest release date as November 20th, 2011, but WKVI has learned that this possibly will be moved up to May 23rd.

Since being incarcerated, Owens has, among other programs, become a leader and trainer of dogs that would assist people with physical or development difficulties; received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Oakland City University with a grade point average of 3.6; participated in a suicide watch program for new offenders; had no substance abuse history; and expressed remorse for the crime for which she was convicted.

We also learned that Owens is participating in a program being produced by the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) entitled, “Breaking down the Bars”. The seven episode series will follow what is called “the dramatic transformation of eight female prisoners”. The series is filmed at the Rockville Correctional Facility where Owens is housed. At this time, WKVI does not have information when the program will air.

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, who was the Prosecutor in the case, turned down an invitation to appear on the show.