Shirley Henson, 40, was convicted of manslaughter in October for the murder of Gena Foster, 34, on an exit ramp of Interstate 65 in Alabaster, Ala., as the two women drove home from work Nov. 8, 1999.
Shelby County Circuit Judge Al Crowson sentenced Henson to 13 years in prison without probation. He said the decision was one of the most difficult he has faced as a judge. Henson could have been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
During the trial, witnesses testified that Henson tailgated Foster for five miles until both women took an exit ramp, where Foster got out of her car and shot Henson in the face, killing her instantly. Henson admitted shooting Foster, but claimed she feared for her life.
Henson, an assistant to the vice president of Harbert Management Corp. of Riverchase, has been free on $50,000 bond since her seven-day trial in October. She was ordered to report to prison on Jan. 2.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Randy Hillman opposed probation for Henson, who declined an opportunity to speak to the victim's family during the half-hour sentencing hearing.
Copyright 2000 by United Press International.
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