Lay Down Your Life
Lay Down Your Life: The Cost of Freedom
Liysa Swart was a successful sports photographer and the mother of two young boys. She was also the spouse of a violent and physically abusive man, Chris Northon. They had been married for 4 years when on October 9th 2000 Liysa shot and killed Chris after a long night of abuse and years of trying to leave him.
Liysa was sentenced to 12 years in prison. She was incarcerated in Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and was released in October 2012. Liysa is now an activist, speaking out against domestic violence, the limitations of Oregon laws and the marginalization of victims of abuse.
Produced by Delphine Criscenzo