Family Fights To Keep Killer Behind Bars

A Green Country family fights to keep a convicted killer behind bars. Randy Downum was murdered 18-years-ago and the woman who killed him is coming up for parole for the second time. News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright sat down with Randy's parents.

Randy was only 26-years-old when he was gunned down by his co-worker, 19-year-old Peggy May. They weren't dating. They weren't fighting. They weren't involved in a crime. As far as anyone can tell, she just killed him for no reason at all.

Randy Downum was a beautiful boy. He and his brother grew up, loving to race their trucks. Randy was working at a grocery store in Muskogee. Even though his parents were then living in Japan, they stayed close and talked often.

The night he was killed, he told them he was going to the races with his brother. But somehow, he ended up on a road near Greenleaf State Park with a co-worker named Peggy May.

"He was never, ever in trouble. He loved people. He helped people. He did everything he could and all he did was befriend her. They worked together and he befriended her," said Randy's mother, Shirley Downum.

Peggy May testified Randy went with her that night to deer hunt, but, his family says he never hunted a day in his life.

Randy was shot four times, three in the face and once behind the ear at point blank range. May told deputies some mysterious stranger did it.

"She admitted taking the gun from her house, admitted the gun was her's. She admitted having the gun in the car with her. All the evidence showed, beyond a reasonable doubt, it was her," said Downum.

A jury convicted May of murder and sentenced her to life. 18 years later, she's up for parole for the second time.

Randy's parents have spent hours asking people to sign a petition against her release and many letters and sent it all the parole board.

"I don't think she should ever be out. She made this choice. She didn't have to make it, but she did. She took his life in her own hands, she should give hers," said Downum.

May has since changed her last name to Tyler and her parole hearing is next Tuesday. They are preparing to drive there and plead with the board not to release her.