Appeals court modifies woman's murder sentence

TULSA - TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has modified the prison term of a woman who was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a 2-year-old Sperry boy at her home day care.

In a 4-0 decision on Tuesday, judges changed Vicki Leigh Chiles' prison term from life without parole to life with parole possible, suspending all but 30 years of that sentence.

A Tulsa County jury convicted Chiles in the May 17, 2007, death of Joshua Minton at Chiles' home day care. Prosecutors say Chiles put duct tape over the boy's mouth and bound his hands because he had been fussy.

Judges said it's apparent from jurors' questions during deliberations that they were confused about the definitions of life with and without parole.