Blunt's office issues a news release about both cases. Both Lannert and Carey suffered sexual and physical abuse before they took action against the men who caused the abuse. Blunt hopes both women can get parole and return to society.

Stacey Ann Lannert murdered her father in 1990, at the age of 18, after being sexually abused for about nine years. She was then convicted of Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action and sentenced to life without parole.

Gov. Blunt's commutation reduces Lannert's sentence from life without parole to 20 years incarceration. She is eligible for an immediate conditional release, and it is the intent of the governor that she be granted one. Her public attorney is Ellen Flottman who works in the Columbia office. She has defended Lannert since 1993.

"This may be the highlight of my career. I can't describe what I'm feeling. It's just the most wonderful thing," said Ellen Flottman, public defender.

Flottman has been on Lannert's case since 1993.

In 2000, Charity Sue Carey murdered her husband at the age of 27. She was later convicted of Second Degree Murder and sentenced to 30 years. Thirty years is a sentence typically recommended for repeat offenders with aggravating factors. Carey and her son suffered extreme emotional and physical abuse from Michael Carey.

Gov. Blunt's commutation for Carey reduces her sentence from 30 years to 10 years, the recommended sentence for Second Degree Murder with mitigating circumstances. She will be eligible for parole later this year. Members of the Washington University Civil Justice Clinic worked on her case.