Oklahoma Woman Seeks Early Release Under Survivors Act in 2020 Murder Case

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Another Oklahoma woman, Tyesha Long, is seeking early release under the Oklahoma Survivors Act, a groundbreaking law designed to offer leniency to domestic abuse survivors who can demonstrate that their history of abuse significantly influenced their criminal behavior.

The Case of Tyesha Long

Tyesha Long was convicted in connection with the 2020 murder of her former partner and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Now, under the provisions of the Oklahoma Survivors Act, she is petitioning the court for a reduced sentence — from 27 years down to 10 years. The act, which became law in 2023, allows survivors of domestic violence to request resentencing if they can provide credible evidence linking their abuse to the offense they committed.

Legal advocates emphasize that the Survivors Act represents a vital shift in Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, acknowledging the complex circumstances that domestic abuse survivors face.

“This law gives survivors a second chance when their stories have gone unheard,” a legal advocate stated.

Understanding the Oklahoma Survivors Act and Domestic Abuse Resentencing

The Oklahoma Survivors Act is part of a broader movement aimed at criminal justice reform and supporting domestic abuse survivors in the state. It empowers eligible inmates — often women convicted of violent offenses connected to their abuse — to seek sentence reductions through the courts.

Domestic violence and abuse are tragically common in Oklahoma, and the Survivors Act seeks to address the long-term impact abuse can have on survivors’ lives, particularly when their actions are a direct result of trauma and fear.

What’s Next in the Court Proceedings

A judge heard arguments in Long’s resentencing case yesterday, and the court proceedings will continue today as evidence and testimonies are reviewed. The outcome could set an important precedent for future cases under the Survivors Act in Oklahoma.

Advocates for domestic violence victims remain hopeful that the law will provide a path toward healing and justice for those who have long been marginalized by the legal system.

Radio Oklahoma News Network will continue to follow developments in the Tyesha Long case and the broader implementation of the Oklahoma Survivors Act.