A former Governor and other top G.O.P and Democrat party leaders were among those testifying today for the release of a woman who’s serving life in prison. 64-year-old Kathy Tyler has served 22 years behind bars for shooting her ex-husband to death. Ex-Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning urged the Iowa Parol Board to commute her sentence.Kathy Tyler’s daughter, LeAnn Tyler, testified on behalf of her mother’s release. She says she would like her mother to spend the last years of her life at home.Former Governor Robert Ray testified for Tyler’s release, as did Almo Hawkins, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor last year. Hawkins volunteers at the Mitchellville prison.Tyler, who at the time of the murder was married and using the name Kathy Cole, walked into a Des Moines medical clinic and killed her ex-husbandThe slain man’s brother, Paul Tyler, told the parole board he would fear for his family’s safety if his ex-sister-in-law is released. He says it is easy to brush off the concern if you are not part of the family. Tyler asked that the board not recomend that the sentence be commuted.Ann Tyler, the murdered man’s niece, is working in the same clinic where her uncle did — it’s the place where her uncle was murdered. She says the pain, anger and disbelief are still felt today. Tyler said she misses the mentorship she would have gotten from her uncle.Dr. Michael Taylor, a Des Moines psychiatrist, saw Tyler as a patient before the murder. Once behind bars, she sued him in a lawsuit which was later thrown out. Taylor says he is gravely concerned for the safety of himself and his wife.The parole board did NOT make a decision today and will interview Tyler in December.
