Edmond parents urge clemency for Lt. Michael Behenna

Vicki Behenna and her husband, Scott, of Edmond, argued to the five-person board that Behenna's sentence was out of proportion to others convicted in Army courts of unpremeditated murder in a combat zone. They also tried to convince the board that Michael Behenna posed no threat to society.

"I think they asked very insightful questions," Vicki Behenna told reporters outside the Arlington, Va., office building where the hearing was held. "They let us talk and explain the circumstances and why we think Michael's sentence should be reduced ... We'll know a decision they said in a week or two so we're just hoping and praying they — at a minimum — reduce Michael's sentence."

Behenna, who is in prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., was convicted last year of killing an Iraqi man suspected of working with al-Qaida. Behenna shot Ali Mansur while questioning him about his connections to the terrorist group. Behenna had captured Mansur after gathering evidence that he had participated in a bombing that killed two members of Behenna's unit.