JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A convicted murderer released from prison over the weekend on a pardon by Gov. Haley Barbour was denied parole less than two weeks ago.

A letter to one of the victims in the case said the Mississippi Parole Board turned down 40-year-old David Gatlin on Dec. 27.

Department of Corrections officials say Gatlin was released on Sunday after being pardoned by Barbour, who leaves office Tuesday at noon. Gatlin had worked as a trustee at the governor's mansion.

He was sentenced to life in prison for killing his estranged wife, Tammy Ellis Gatlin, in 1993 and shooting her long-time friend, Randy Walker. Walker survived. The shootings took place in Brandon, Miss.

Walker's mother, Glenda Walker, said her son is afraid now that Gatlin is free.