MARYSVILLE, Ohio - Members of a parole board are trying to decide if a former Howland woman convicted of murdering her husband should be freed from prison.

A parole hearing was held Wednesday morning for Marie Poling.

The 56-year-old inmate of the Ohio Reformatory for Women is serving a 20-year to life prison term for her part in the 1987 murder and dismemberment of her husband Richard.

Poling was only 29 when she and her lover killed Richard Poling as he slept. The two then chopped off the husband's head and spread his body parts over Ohio and Pennsylvania.

She was convicted of aggravated murder and abuse of a corpse.

Trumbull County prosecutor Dennis Watkins opposes the release.

Poling has been in prison since 1988.

A decision from the parole board is expected to be announced after Christmas.