A former doctor who claimed his wife choked to death on a lemon pastry -- but was convicted in her killing 15 years ago -- has been granted parole.
Harvey Jacobs was convicted in 2000 of second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Nadine Loucks, in Carmel Mountain Ranch. He was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
A state parole board granted him release, but scheduled subsequent meetings to further discuss his parole.
If the decision is upheld by the board, it will head to Gov. Jerry Brownβs office for approval.
Jacobs was convicted of beating and strangling his wife. During his trial, he maintained that his wife choked to death on a lemon pastry during a bulimic eating frenzy, according to published reports at the time.
Medical experts testified that her injuries were caused by another person and that it appeared someone else tried to cover it up by stuffing pastry down her throat.
The San Diego Union Tribune has reported that Jacobs has since changed his story, now saying he became enraged after his wife said cruel things about him.