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Pamela Smart Appeals Life Sentence in 1990 Murder Case

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pamela Smart seeks to overturn her life sentence for orchestrating her husband’s 1990 murder by filing a habeas corpus petition.
The petition argues constitutional violations occurred during the trial due to media influence and misleading transcripts with inaudible words.
New Hampshire Attorney General says Smart received a fair trial and her convictions were upheld on appeal.
The filing follows Governor Kelly Ayotte's denial of a sentence reduction hearing.

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Story summary

Pamela Smart seeks to overturn her life sentence for orchestrating her husband’s 1990 murder by filing a habeas corpus petition.
The petition argues constitutional violations occurred during the trial due to media influence and misleading transcripts with inaudible words.
New Hampshire Attorney General says Smart received a fair trial and her convictions were upheld on appeal.
The filing follows Governor Kelly Ayotte's denial of a sentence reduction hearing.