Miriam Margarita Brito, who made headlines for being held responsible for the murder of her husband on 26 November 2003, received a pardon from President Leonel Fernandez yesterday. She had been sentenced to 20 years in jail, together with her maid Deydania Gonzalez, who received a 30-year sentence. News coverage at the time carried reports of how her husband, an affluent construction company owner, had abused her and was said to be a threat to other members of the family. Diario Libre reports that she spent a year at Najayo jail where she took several courses in painting, sewing, computers and public relations.