Spfld woman admits to killing husband

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A Springfield woman has been sentenced to up to six years in prison after pleading guilty to fatally stabbing her husband during an argument.

Beverly Echols was sentenced Thursday after admitting to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the February 2011 death of Joel Echols inside their home.

Prosecutors say the 42-year-old Beverly Echols told police the couple had been drinking, they argued, her husband punched her in the lip, and she responded by stabbing him in the chest.

The Republican reports that her defense attorney said she was the victim of domestic violence and her husband over the years had broken her ankle and leg and caused and two serious eye injuries.

He said she called 911 after the stabbing and put pressure on the wound until help arrived.