Harkins, Patricia

after serving less than a year for the stabbing death of her husband, she was set free. Harkins, 60, was initially charged with first-degree murder in the Dec 11, 1999, death of Jack Harkins. She pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 12 years in prison last February. Judge Goodpaster reduced Harkin's sentence, citing that she did not have a history of violence, the stabbing act was a "one-time violent act,"...

Patricia Harkins signed a disclaimer to any of the estate of Jack Harkins. Assigning any rights she has to her children. ... The family filed a claim with the state Crime Victims' Compensation fund to pay $5,000 toward funeral expenses... if the claim is approved, Harkin's widow, Patricia will be required to reimburse the state. ...