Newsom Commutes 548 Death Sentences Ahead of Departure
Governor Gavin Newsom converted all remaining capital sentences in California to life without parole, ending a practice that has been dormant for two decades.
By Andrew Bennett ·
Gavin Newsom has commuted all 548 death sentences currently held in California, a move that replaces the ultimate punishment with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The governor made the announcement in an open letter released on Thursday, stating that he views state-sanctioned killing as incompatible with the state’s core values.
The action affects 529 men and 19 women on death row. While the commutations change the sentence, they do not release any inmates from custody. Convictions remain intact, existing restitution orders stay in effect, and the inmates are not made eligible for early parole.
Newsom described the decision as one of the most difficult of his career, acknowledging that it could anger families of murder victims. In the letter, he wrote, "I have come to understand the limits of what government can justly accomplish." He added that he takes personal responsibility for the decision and its consequences, while respecting the views of those who disagree.
California has not executed a prisoner since January 2006. Newsom placed a moratorium on executions shortly after taking office in 2019. The state now has a new governor, Xavier Becerra, who won the election on Tuesday. Becerra, a Democrat, will succeed Newsom after his eight years in office.
