Family Speaks After Parole For Chickasha Mom's Killer Denied

The Governor's decision to deny parole for a convicted killer helped breathe a little bit of life back into a family who's been struggling for nearly two decades to cope with the death of Debra Dennis.

9/29/2012 Related Story: Governor Fallin Denies Parole Recommendation For Convicted Killer

The governor denied parole for Quincy Foster, who killed the Chickasha woman in the early 90s over just 24 cents.

"He took Debbie away from away from her babies and her grandbabies and the rest of family," said Louise Johnson, Dennis' mother.

Johnson only needs two words to describe what it is like to live with her daughter's death.

"Hell, Pure Hell," she said.

Johnson will never forget the helpless feeling of watching her daughter die in her arms when Quincy Foster shot her at point blank range in 1993. A jury convicted Foster in 1996 and sentenced him to life in prison.

Sixteen years into the life term, the pardon and parole board recommended Foster be released.

Johnson knew she would have to relive the crime all over again.

"It never goes away but you just do whatever you have to do," she said.

Although the family endured three trials to put Foster in prison, but then, the possibility of parole introduced new challenges. So, the family spent two months collecting more than 1,000 signatures on a petition to keep Foster in prison.

Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks joined in the fight.

"He is a danger to society number one, and number two, he hasn't served enough time that a life sentence means life," Hicks said.

The governor agreed, denying Foster's parole and giving a grateful family peace of mind. Johnson says she will never be able to fully express her gratitude.

"For all of the people that stood up with us, even out of state, thank you. The voice of the people have been heard I know that Debbie is proud of what we've done," Johnson said.

The family has some advice for other victims families struggling with the same situation. They recommend getting help from your local district attorney, as well as initiating a letter-writing campaign to the governor.