HARLAN, Iowa (AP) — A woman who shot her abusive husband, then left his body in their home for more than a year, was sentenced Monday to 50 years in prison by a judge who said the mandatory sentence was unjust.
Dixie Shanahan, 36, must serve at least 35 years under the state's mandatory sentencing law.
"The mandatory minimum sentencing structure imposed on this court is in my opinion wrong," District Judge Charles Smith said at the sentencing. "It may be legal, but it is wrong."
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Smith said Shanahan shot her husband, Scott, after suffering 18 years of abuse. "No human should have to put up with that," the judge said.