MEDFORD, Ore. -- The family of a murdered man is speaking out, saying his wife killed him, even though she had other options to escape the domestic abuse.
Back in 2005, Wendy Maldonado killed her husband Aaron.
Court records show Aaron abused Wendy and their four sons.
Wendy says in 2005, her life came down to two options: kill or be killed. With the help of her 17-year-old son Randy, the two killed Aaron with a hammer and hatchet.
Even though the courts agreed that Wendy was tortured for years, she was still sentenced to prison. Oregon law requires a person be in imminent danger in order to take another person's life. Aaron was asleep when he was killed.
Wendy and Randy never went to trial. Instead the two accepted a plea bargain. The presiding judge called the case the "worst case of domestic violence any of us have ever seen."
Randy was sentenced to six years in prison and Wendy was sentenced to ten.
Today, Randy is out of prison, living with his three brothers. However, Wendy is now seeking clemency from Gov. John Kitzhaber, hoping for an early release.
Wendy's lawyer, Mark Lansing, says Wendy killed Aaron out of fear and because she had no other options.
"We're not suggesting that the killing did not occur," Lansing said. "We're suggesting it was justified in the circumstances, even though is doesn't fit within Oregon's definition of justifiable homicide."
Maribeth Bishop is Aaron's Aunt. She says the killing was premeditated.
"Regardless of the choices of her life, everyone has a choice and she made a choice to take someone's life," Bishop said.
Bishop says her nephew's marriage didn't seem in trouble and she didn't see any signs of abuse.
"What the family wants to make known is there isn't any reason for Wendy to get out early," Bishop said. "She has three years left. She agreed to it. Regardless of the choices of her life, everyone has a choice and she made a choice to take someone's life."
Click here to watch "The Maldonado Case: Hearing From the Other Side, Part 1"
Click here to watch "The Maldonado Case: Hearing From the Other Side, Part 2"
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Newsmax Headlines
Business News
Asia Markets mostly down as investors eye Fed
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Asian markets were mostly lower today as investors waited for an update on the U.S. economy from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
Get This
VEGAS STRIP-THRILL RIDE
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- If losing your shirt in Sin City isn't enough -- you could soon lose lunch.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY SURVEILLANCE FOILED PLOT TO BOMB NYSE
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S.

