Gavin Newsom commutes the sentences of California’s 548 death row inmates

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday he will change all death sentences in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The decision affects the 548 inmates currently on death row and comes as Newsom prepares to leave office after eight years.

In 2019, Newsom placed a moratorium on executions, but hundreds of people remained sentenced to death. The governor said he took the action because he firmly believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values, undermines the foundations of the legal system, and diminishes each resident.

Newsom acknowledged the decision was among the most difficult of his career because it will surface painful memories for crime victims' families. He wrote that as governor, he alone bears responsibility for the decision and its impact, just as he alone would bear responsibility for each execution.

Under the state constitution, the California Supreme Court's approval is required to grant clemency to anyone convicted of a felony more than once.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal