Betty Smithey killed a 15-month old baby.
PHOENIX (AP) _ Gov. Jan Brewer has commuted the life sentence of a woman who was convicted in the 1963 murder of a baby.
Brewer's proclamation that makes Betty Smithey eligible for parole after serving 49 years of her sentence wasn't publicized by her office, nor did she explain her decision.
Two previous governors denied clemency for Smithey. Brewer agreed to reduce Smithey's sentence to 48 years to life.
The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency will hold a parole hearing for the 69-year-old woman on Aug. 13.
Smithey tells the Arizona Republic that she can't undo what she's done but wants a chance to prove she's been rehabilitated.
Brewer has granted the fewest clemency requests of any Arizona governor in the past 20 years.
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