Clara Harris, infamous Houston dentist who ran over husband, released from prison

Convicted killer Clara Harris looks toward her supporters after the end of testimony Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 in Houston. Mildred Harris and her husband, Gerald, have filed a $5 million wrongful death lawsuit against Clara Harris in the July 2002 killing of orthodontist David Harris. Clara Harris ran over her husband with her Mercedes-Benz several times after confronting him and his mistress at a suburban Houston hotel. Harris was convicted of murder in February 2003 and sentenced to 20 years. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) less Convicted killer Clara Harris looks toward her supporters after the end of testimony Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 in Houston. Mildred Harris and her husband, Gerald, have filed a $5 million wrongful death lawsuit ... more Photo: Pat Sullivan, STF Photo: Pat Sullivan, STF Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Clara Harris, infamous Houston dentist who ran over husband, released from prison 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

Clara Harris, the Friendswood dentist who made national headlines more than a decade ago after she ran over her cheating husband, is getting out of prison, officials said Monday.

"It's a tough day for the victim's family, I can tell you that," said Andy Kahan, victims advocate for the city of Houston. "But, she served more than half her time on a first-degree murder."

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Kahan wanted Harris to serve at least 17 years in prison, then have three years of supervision on parole.

Harris has served 15 years of her 20-year sentence for the July 24, 2002, manslaughter of 44-year-old David Harris.

In 2002, Harris and her orthodontist husband were a successful couple with a string of dental offices when she became suspicious of his philandering.

Harris tracked her husband and his mistress to the Nassau Bay Hilton, where the attack occurred. David Harris' then-17-year-old daughter from another marriage was in the Mercedes Benz sedan when he was run over.

She testified against her stepmother in her trial.

A private investigator hired by Clara Harris to investigate her husband was in the hotel parking lot and videotaped the crime.

The bizarre incident later spawned true-crime books and a made-for-television movie.

On Monday, supporters cheered the decision, saying the former dentist had served her time and was rehabilitated.

"It's about time," said Emily Detoto, Harris' former attorney and now close friend. "It's been long enough."