They Killed Their Abusers. Should They Spend Their Lives in Prison?

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by Pamela Colloff

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A new law aimed at reducing prison sentences for survivors of domestic violence who kill their abusers has failed to deliver meaningful change for most. Many survivors, like Lisa Rae Moss, remain behind bars despite meeting the criteria for reduced sentences under the law. Moss, serving a life sentence for her involvement in the 1990 murder of her husband, recounted years of unimaginable abuse during her testimony at a resentencing hearing. Her story highlights the pervasive nature of domestic violence and the often deadly consequences faced by survivors when they fight back. Moss described a marriage marked by physical, sexual, and psychological abuse that began shortly after their wedding. Her husband used a gun as a tool of intimidation, forcing her to have sex and inflicting lasting physical harm. He also sexually assaulted their young daughter, leaving Moss in fear for her family’s safety. Despite these horrors, Moss was denied a reduced sentence during her 2025 resentencing hearing, highlighting the systemic failures within the legal system. The article underscores the challenges survivors face when seeking justice and leniency from the courts. Many are forced to relive their trauma during hearings, often without receiving the compassion or understanding they deserve. Advocates argue that the law intended to help survivors is being applied inconsistently, with many cases falling through legal loopholes or being ignored altogether. The story of Moss and others like her sheds light on the broader societal

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026