crime scene and little in the way of forensics, that was going to be hard to prove. so in her view, it was self-defense. but maybe she was guilty of manslaughter or second degree murder. but you couldn t prosecute you for either of those offenses? that s correct. the statute of limitations in new mexico, a state case like this prohibited us from going forward on the lesser types of offenses. ellen snyder s defense attorney, penny adrian, knew a first degree murder conviction could mean a life sentence for ellen but felt the prosecution would have a tough time making their case. the premeditation would be hard to prove. but even harder would be to prove that she did not act in self-defense given all the things that were going on with mike. adrian says ellen acted after years of emotional and physical abuse. this guy was treating her horribly. that s right. and had been for a long, long