Wright was released from the Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and arrived home in Harris County in the early afternoon. She served more than 16 years of a 20-year sentence.
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"Please don't do this to my family," she said to reporters as she got out of an SUV. "I would just like privacy, please. Respect that. I'm sure that y'all can understand. But don't do this to my family, even if you do it to me, don't do it to them please."
Susan Wright speaks out for first time after 16 years in prison
Wright is 44. She was sentenced when she was 27. A family member told ABC13, "I think she has paid her debt to society and deserves a second chance."
The housewife and mother was convicted in 2004 after prosecutors said she stabbed her husband Jeff as he was tied to their bed, before burying his body in a hole he had dug for a fountain. She claimed self-defense after years of abuse.
Retired District Court Judge Jim Wallace presided over the drama of the two-week trial.
Retired District Court Judge recalls presiding over Wright's trial
"I would say theater. Maybe a circus," Wallace said in an interview Wednesday morning. "There was a lot of discussion about bringing in the bed."
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Bloody bed brought into courtroom for dramatic re-enactment
The prosecution won that battle and used it to re-enact the murder. Wright even took the stand in her defense.
Susan Wright testifies about stabbing her husband 193 times
WATCH: ABC13 Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward recalls trial vividly
Dave Ward on Wright's case: 'It was like an Alfred Hitchcock film'
The entire way, her family stood by her. Jeff's family was just as adamant that he did not abuse his wife.
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Until February 2024, Wright has to adhere to strict parole conditions. She has to attend anger control counseling and training, and she must have a job. She cannot leave Texas and must wear a GPS monitor. She is under super-intensive supervision, the highest level, according to a spokesman for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
A family member says Wright has had no communication with her two children, who were adopted by their paternal uncle.
Wallace says the trial was memorable and is hopeful about her future.
"Great prosecutors, a great defense team. How could you have a more interesting trial or interesting case than that one," he said. "Hopefully 16 years has changed her and she'll be finally a productive member of society."
Jeff Wright's brother told ABC13 his family was aware of her release but added that they have moved on.
Watch ABC13's 2003 coverage as the case unfolded, including Susan's tearful testimony and the sensational courtroom re-enactment on your favorite streaming devices, like Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and AndroidTV. Just search "ABC13 Houston."
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