I am trying to think of any "logical" situation where she could be coerced to make such poor decisions with everything, everthing, all her savings, hard work, reputation, to lose in the blink of an eye.
I can go out on a limb and think that she had some "relationship" with this killer, then he threatened to tell all, or threaten harm to someone she knows (well, his brother is on the lam) if she didn't spring him out. She would be disciplined or let go if her boss found out about the affair, or, she could end her career, "her way" . ..that is, succumbing to his coercion and getting her pension.
I am trying to think of a "logical" reason for this erratic impulsive behavior. Is challenging.