SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah inmate who was one of two women behind a series of high-profile robberies has been granted parole.
KSL-TV in Salt Lake City reported Monday that Sandra Kaye Chotia-Thompson, who faced up to life in prison, will be released in April.
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, in a rare move, approved her request just a few days after her hearing.
Authorities confronted Chotia-Thompson and Kelly Fay Simons in January 2013 after several robberies of stores and restaurants throughout the Wasatch Front.
Police shot and killed Simons as she fled. Chotia-Thompson was arrested.
She was later sentenced for attempted aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.
Chotia-Thompson attributed her crimes to heroin addiction. She has since earned a 4.0 GPA for college coursework and is saving money for restitution.
