Las Vegas killer seeks prison release, cites chronic malady

CARSON CITY — A Las Vegas woman who killed her aunt's boyfriend in 2002 claiming he was abusive is seeking release from prison from the state pardons board, two years after a similar request was denied.

Jamie Hein was convicted in 2007 of second-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Timothy Herman and was sentenced to a term of 10 to 25 years for the crime. She is eligible for parole in 2017.

Hein's attorney, Kristina Wildeveld of Las Vegas, said her client has continued to maintain an exemplary record while serving her sentence at the Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center in Las Vegas.

But Hein's case also involves a medical issue, and Wildeveld said the request this time is for compassionate release through a commutation of her sentence to time served.

Hein, 35, suffers from a genetically inherited medical condition, angioedema, which is costing Nevada taxpayers $38,000 a month for treatment while she is incarcerated. The condition involves the rapid swelling of deep layers of the skin.

Wildeveld said Hein has suffered two life-threatening attacks since her pardons board hearing in 2013. While there is an emergency supply of the medicine needed to treat such occurrences available, it is 20 miles away, she said.

If Hein was released, her family has maintained her health insurance and would be able to provide her with medical care rather than taxpayers, Wildeveld said.

The Board of Pardons is made up of Gov. Brian Sandoval, Attorney General Adam Laxalt and the seven members of the Nevada Supreme Court. The panel meets infrequently, and has its next hearing date set for Nov. 16. Sandoval's support would be needed to grant a pardon.

Hein has expressed remorse for the killing, which occurred at a house where Herman was living with Hein's aunt, Rebecca Garrison.

The environment at the residence was described as dysfunctional, with the couple using illegal drugs, according to court records. Hein also abused drugs and alcohol. Herman, a felon from Florida who was addicted to methamphetamine, had been arrested on a charge of domestic violence against Garrison.

The motive for the attack was disputed at the hearing, with members of the Herman family claiming that Hein intended to kill Herman and planned with two others to commit the crime.

Hein's pardon was denied in 2015 after members of Herman's family spoke at the hearing. While initially supportive of the pardon, Herman's mother, Kathleen Herman, equivocated on the issue.

Wildeveld said the Clark County district attorney's office is opposing the pardon because Hein has not served her minimum sentence.

Hein's medical condition has been difficult for the Department of Corrections to deal with, she said.

"It's a huge burden on the prison system," Wildeveld said.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801