Biography
Fran Thompson was an environmental activist in Knox County Nebraska who led a number of campaigns against District Attorney John Thomas after he convinced the Board of Supervisors to alter zoning regulations to allow a number of highly controversial projects, such as a nuclear waste dumping ground and poultry factory. During this time Thompson was being stalked by an abusive ex-boyfriend who she reported to police for threatening her life. On August 18th 1991 Thompson called police for the second time to request they provide her protection out fear her ex-boyfriend was planning to kill her. Police refused and later that night her ex-partner broke into her home and attempted to kill her. Thompson retrieved a handgun she had bought for self defense when she discovered him in the home and shot her ex-partner as he lunged at her. She then immediately called 911 to report the shooting. Thompson was initially told the case was clear self-defense and she wouldn't be charged but District Attorney John Thompson insisted on indicting her for first degree murder. Thompson was convicted for this crime and sentenced to life in prison.
