Quinn shortens sentence of woman who killed kids

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has commuted the sentence of a woman who contends she suffered postpartum depression when she killed her two children.

Quinn's action Friday could make Debra Lynn Gindorf eligible for parole immediately.

The 45-year-old Gindorf was found guilty but mentally ill in 1986 in the slaying of her two children, aged 23 months and three months, in Zion.

Testimony indicated Gindorf was depressed and abused by her husband when she tried to kill herself. She decided to take her children with her but she survived.

Quinn commuted Gindorf's natural life sentence to 48 years. Gindorf attorney Kathleen Hamill says that means she's eligible for release because she's served half the sentence.

Quinn's office refused comment.