California Governor Newsom Commutes All Death Sentences to Life Without Parole
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the commutation of every death sentence in California to life imprisonment without parole, affecting 548 inmates and prompting mixed reactions from advocacy groups and prosecutors.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that all death sentences in the state will be commuted to life imprisonment without parole, ending the death penalty for the 548 inmates currently on death row. The decision follows a moratorium on executions that the governor imposed nearly eight years ago.
In an open letter to residents, Newsom wrote, "My decision today comes after nearly three decades of openly opposing state-sanctioned executions as an elected official." The California Supreme Court will need to review and approve the commutations in 382 cases that involve prisoners with multiple felony convictions.
The American Civil Liberties Union praised the move, calling it "a historic step towards ending the death penalty in California and across the country." ACLU executive director Anthony D. Romero said the commutations reflect a need to end a punishment he described as "racist, error-prone, and inhumane."
Opposition came from groups such as the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, Crime Survivors and the California District Attorneys Association, which argued the decision could harm victims' families and undermine the will of voters. Crime Survivors expressed sympathy for families, stating, "Our hearts break for every family feeling revictimized by this decision. You deserve to be heard, respected, and your loved ones will always be remembered."
Some victims' families voiced support. Jess Nichol, sister of Polly Klaas, said, "I used to think the man who killed my sister deserved execution, but over time I’ve realized that whether he’s executed has absolutely nothing to do with my recovery or with real public safety."
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman noted that while the governor has the authority to commute sentences, the death penalty itself remains subject to voter decisions. Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said the commutations could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and allow resources to be redirected to public-safety initiatives.
The decision adds California to a growing list of states, including North Carolina, Oregon, Colorado and Alabama, where governors have recently granted clemency to death-row inmates.