Two convicted killers await parole decision
Two convicted killers await parole decision by Henry

By Julie Bisbee

Published: August 14, 2008

Two men serving sentences for murder convictions are being considered for parole this week as the state's Pardon and Parole Board meets in Oklahoma City.

James H. Huckaby, 57, is serving a life sentence after being convicted of the 1987 shooting death of Joyce Wright Lambert, 44 and the wounding of her sister, Patsy Hendryx. Huckaby was convicted in Tulsa County of first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Lambert was shot at close range with a shotgun by a masked gunman. Hendryx also was shot, but was only slightly injured.

Prosecutors say Huckaby was part of a murder-for-hire plot. Huckaby's co-defendant said Huckaby paid him $1,500 and drove him to the home where the women were shot.

Huckaby says he was wrongly convicted and that his co-defendant, William Frank Morrow, lied to protect another man he claims was involved in the shooting.

Huckaby had no prior convictions before being sentenced to life for Lambert's death. Huckaby has completed several art classes, vocational training programs and is involved in faith-based activities in prison, according to the report.

Jeffrey Stewart, 38, received a 30-year second-degree murder sentence in Garfield County for the 1996 shooting death of James Pugh, 34. Stewart and Pugh fought and Pugh was killed.

According to prosecutors, Stewart was angry at Pugh because he said he had purchased "some bad drugs,” from a man who also lived at the home. Stewart said he was intoxicated at the time of the offense.

Since being in prison, Stewart has completed 18 hours of college and received a certificate in heating and air conditioning. If paroled, Stewart said he hoped to move to Enid and work in construction.