Deborah Lee Doonanco has been granted bail while her appeal goes through the court.
Doonanco was convicted of second-degree murder, arson and interfering with human remains in November in the death of her husband Kevin Feland in May of 2014. His body was discovered in her Glendon home after she called 9-1-1 regarding a fire. She was given a life sentence.
Doonanco and her lawyer had argued that the murder was in self-defence, saying the relationship was rife with abuse and she did it to save her own life. Prior to her bail hearing, Doonanco underwent a psychological assessment, and was described as “low risk of recidivism.” The report also mentions physical, verbal and sexual abuse directed towards her from Feland.
Her application for interim release included 17 letters of support and reference from community members.