Friday, May 16th 2025, 2:39 pm
A man convicted of killing his wife nearly two decades ago is asking to be released from prison, not to live, but to die with dignity.
James Havens is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to shooting and killing his second wife in 2007. The crime happened during a drunken argument. Her body was found half a mile north of Beaver, Oklahoma.
Now diagnosed with terminal cancer and unable to walk, Havens may never see his chance at parole. But his adult daughters are hoping the state will allow him to spend his final days outside prison walls.
"He grew up a good old boy and an all-American Irish family in the '60s. A lot of dysfunctions and a lot of drinking."
— Jessica Dougherty, Daughter
They say that dysfunction led to his alcoholism, and ultimately, what he did in 2007 landed him behind bars.
"Over the last 18 years, we have cultivated an alcohol-free relationship with our dad and see the man he is. And I think we knew that from our childhood."
— Jessica Dougherty, Daughter
The daughters say they don't excuse what their father did. But with only months to live, they believe compassion is deserved, and that the state would see it that way too.
"They don't want their taxpayer dollars going to a prisoner or person who is no longer a threat to society."
— Jessica Dougherty, Daughter
Under Oklahoma law, passed in 2021 as Senate Bill 320, individuals who are "medically frail"—meaning they can no longer independently perform two or more activities of daily living—may be eligible for compassionate release.
Havens, according to his medical team, meets that standard.
Yet, his application was denied, and he will never make it to the Pardon and Parole Board.
"Those are the folks that have never met Mr. Havens, presumably. Don't know a lot about him. All they get is a piece of paper."
— Aaron Easton, Attorney
"If Mr. Havens doesn't qualify for this release, then who does?"
— Aaron Easton, Attorney
Records show Havens is not alone. According to Easton, only one or two people are granted medical parole each year, despite the legislation's original intention.
Recent years show a sharp decline in the number of Department of Corrections requests that even reach the board.
"2021 is when the legislation was passed. And you see, we're looking at half to a fifth of the considerations here."
— Aaron Easton, Attorney
It's unclear why the number of cases being considered has dropped so significantly.
But with time running out, Havens' daughters are hoping their father's case can shine a light on a law they say isn't working as intended.
"I would like to believe that everyone comes to a point in their life where they make amends for the things they have done in their life."
— Jessica Dougherty, Daughter
"I believe there are hundreds or thousands within the institution that deserve it as well."
— Jeni Maus, Daughter
Oklahoma Department of Corrections response:
While it is not our standard practice to comment on pending litigation, we believe it is essential to address this matter out of respect for all those we serve — including inmates, victims, and the public.
Oklahoma law provides a process for inmates to be considered for medical parole before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is committed to treating all incarcerated individuals with compassion while also fulfilling its statutory responsibilities: carrying out court-ordered sentences, maintaining institutional security, and protecting public safety.
James Havens was convicted of First-Degree Murder for the shooting and killing of his wife, Brenda Reddick, whereafter he dumped her body and that of her dog – which he also killed – in Beaver County. He was also convicted of felony perjury in connection to that case. He is currently serving a life sentence.
Although Mr. Havens suffers from various medical conditions, a medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify an inmate for medical parole. Under state law, ODOC must assess whether an individual poses an unreasonable threat to public safety before recommending parole, notwithstanding their illness. The agency conducted a thorough review consistent with established procedures and concluded that Mr. Havens remains a risk to the community.
Contrary to Mr. Havens’ assertions, the timeframes in ODOC’s internal policy are guidelines — not legal requirements. However, grievance procedures and other legal prerequisites for litigation are mandatory, and Mr. Havens did not comply with them before filing his lawsuit.
This was not a financial decision; it was a matter of public safety and respect for the criminal justice system.
An Oklahoma native, Tevis Hillis joined the News 9 team in 2020 as a multimedia journalist. She now anchors the weekend morning newscasts. Passionate about shaping the future of journalism, Tevis also serves as executive producer and adjunct professor for OU Nightly, mentoring and teaching more than 160 students.
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