Newsom consulted crime victims and public safety experts before deciding
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he considered not granting clemency to inmates who committed the “worst of the worst” crimes but decided against excluding them from his plan to commute the death sentences of 548 people facing execution in California.
“Attempting to distinguish among crimes and offenders for clemency would inadvertently create two classes of murder victims—those whose perpetrators deserve the death penalty and then the rest,” Newsom said.
The governor said he spoke to crime victims and public safety experts about the decision, which he called the most difficult of his career. “I deeply respect the views of those who will strongly disagree with my decision, including some families of victims who have suffered the worst possible loss,” he said.
Those granted a commutation will not be eligible for release, Newsom said. “These offenders will die in prison but not by our hand,” he said.
Newsom announced Thursday that he plans to commute the death sentences of 548 people facing execution by the state, allowing them to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. His office said the actions would benefit 529 men and 19 women if all the commutations are finalized.
California’s Supreme Court must approve the resentencing of those with more than one conviction. Newsom said 382 people on death row had more than one conviction.
Those on California’s death row include serial killers and rapists. In a letter to Californians, Newsom wrote: “Many Californians feel that those who commit brutal crimes deserve to die. But as Governor, I have concluded the state cannot morally kill them.”
Newsom, a Democrat, is leaving office in January because of term limits and is considering a run for president.