COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office is formally objecting to the release of a woman convicted of murder and arson more than two decades ago.

Prosecutor Lynn Maro filed objections with the Ohio Parole Board regarding Damita Lee, 52, who is currently incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Lee was sentenced in 2005 after pleading guilty to charges of murder, arson, and aggravated burglary.

The case stems from an April 2001 incident where Lee lured 41-year-old Achilles Cummings into a vehicle and shot him in the head. She then used gasoline to set the vehicle on fire with the body still inside. The damage was so severe that dental records were needed to identify the victim.

Lee was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. While she is now eligible for a parole hearing, prosecutors argue that her behavior behind bars shows she should remain in prison.

Court documents show that Lee has committed several rule violations during her time in prison, including an incident as recently as 2024. Officials say she has been involved in physical fights and has had illegal items in her possession. She was also accused of leading a money-transferring operation where she sent money to people outside the prison in exchange for drugs, jewelry, and clothes.

The prosecutor’s office stated that Lee’s actions show a consistent lack of respect for rules and authority. Lee's parole hearing is scheduled to take place this month.