Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he is commuting the death sentences of hundreds of inmates in California, converting them to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he is commuting the death sentences of hundreds of inmates in California, converting them to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Newsom said the death penalty is not compatible with the state’s values, calling it a failure of the legal system. He described state-sanctioned executions as morally objectionable and error-prone.
Crime victim advocates expressed frustration with the announcement.
“He hasn’t sat down with these families. He didn’t look at case by case by case. Because if he did, and he had any decency, he would look at the majority of these cases and go, I can’t go against the jury in this one,” Topo Padilla, president of Crime Victims United, said.
Padilla said the announcement was devastating but expected.
“It was expected that this man was going to take his personal belief and usurp a jury. And a judge who sat through an entire trial, heard all the evidence and made the decision with the sentence to be the death penalty. It was expected. And what we’d like to ask is why? Why is he doing this?” Padilla said.
Meanwhile, groups like the Anti-Death Penalty Coalition applauded Newsom’s actions – saying the move stands up for human dignity and the sanctity of life.
“The death penalty in California is a failure. Let’s start with the fact that justice in California isn’t blind. The justice system treats you better if you are rich and guilty, than if you are poor and innocent. Today, Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a stand for justice for all,” Natasha Minsker, director of the California Anti-Death Penalty Coalition, said.
The American Civil Liberties Union also supported the governor’s decision, stating, “These commutations reflect what justice demands: an end to a racist, error-prone, and inhumane punishment that has burdened California for far too long.”
District attorneys in Northern California also reacted to the news. See their statements below.
Yolo County DA Melinda Aiello
“My heart breaks for the victims impacted by the Governor’s decision to move to commute all death sentences. The decision to seek death is not undertaken lightly and is reserved for the most horrific cases. In Yolo County, two juries returned verdicts of death after hearing the facts. To the families of Andrew Stevens and Antonio Diaz, I am sorry. We will not stop fighting for our victims.”
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho
“Any discussion about ending California’s capital punishment must begin with the victims, their families, and the communities forever impacted by the most heinous crimes. Justice requires case-by-case consideration, not one-size-fits-all decisions. Every death sentence results from years of legal proceedings, involving juries, judges, and multiple layers of mandatory appellate review. A blanket commutation of all death sentences disregards the individualized facts and circumstances of each case, the careful judicial process that led to those lawful sentences, and the voices of victims who have waited decades for justice. This action also stands in direct conflict with the will of California voters, who have twice rejected efforts to abolish the death penalty and, in 2016, reaffirmed through Proposition 66 that capital punishment should remain an option for the state’s most notorious and vile offenders including – Charles Ng, who tortured and killed at least a dozen people after kidnapping and raping them. Two infants were among Ng’s victims. Richard Allen Davis received the death penalty for the kidnapping, attempted rape, and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas. Serial killer Cary Stayner dubbed the “Yosemite Killer” was sentenced to death for murdering a mother, her daughter, her daughter’s friend and another young woman. We remain committed to enforcing the law as enacted by the people of California and to ensuring that the interests of victims, their families, and public safety remain at the center of our criminal justice system.”
San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas
“The Ultimate Betrayal of Justice: Why Governor Newsom’s Blanket Death Row Commutation is an Insult to San Joaquin County Victims. Let us be entirely clear about what Governor Newsom’s announcement means: a blanket commutation is a mass erasure of justice. It overrides the will of California voters who have repeatedly defended capital punishment at the ballot box. It invalidates the exhausting, emotionally wrenching work of our citizens who sat on juries, weighed horrific evidence, and delivered lawful verdicts. Most unforgivably, it is a slap in the face to victims and their families. This decision does not bind wounds; it tears them wide open, all over again. It acts as a final, permanent door slammed in the faces of grieving families who were promised the highest level of accountability under the law. I want to be perfectly clear, as your District Attorney, I will continue to seek the Death Penalty when and where appropriate. One person’s personal commentary will not alter this Office’s pursuit of justice for victims, families, and our community.”