by Angelina Delfin
In a shocking decision, Gov. Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of 548 death row inmates in California, including some of the most notorious killers in state history.
In Newsom’s letter to Californians explaining his decision, he stated that he “firmly believes state sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values” and that “we cannot execute people in our imperfect legal system and remain true to our core values, first among them justice and human decency.”
“Many in our state, from all political backgrounds, have concluded that the death penalty is inconsistent with California’s legal values and public safety goals. I also acknowledge that this clemency action will anger and hurt some Californians. This will always weigh heavily on me. As governor, I alone bear responsibility for this decision and its impact, just as I alone would bear responsibility for each execution. For this reason, I am compelled to follow my conscience and, as authorized by our Constitution, take this action for the welfare of the State of California,” Newsom wrote.
While 382 of the 548 commutations require approval from the California Supreme Court, the move, if finalized, would mark the largest mass commutation of death sentences in modern American history.
Among those whose death sentences would be commuted is Joseph Naso, also known as the “Alphabet Killer,” who was convicted of strangling four Northern California women between the late 1970s and 1990s.
Also included is Charles Ng, who was convicted of murdering six men, three women, and two infant boys in Northern California during the 1980s.
Another is Marcus Wesson, who was convicted of murdering nine of his children in Fresno in 2004.
Each of these criminals, along with many others, would have their sentences changed from death to life without parole if the commutations are approved.
Addressing the families of victims whose killers would be spared execution, Newsom defended his decision, describing it as a “righteous action.”
“I know its announcement may surface excruciating memories for victims’ families. 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.”
In 2016, California voters rejected a ballot measure to abolish the death penalty, opting to keep capital punishment in place. However, in 2019, Newsom imposed a statewide moratorium on executions.
The mother of 8-year-old Michael Lyons, who was murdered by a man on death row, said in a statement to the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, “Michael didn’t get mercy. He didn’t get a second chance, and no one changed his sentence.”
She continued, “The justice system asks families to trust the process, but changing the rules decades later shatters that trust completely.”
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Angelina Delfin is California correspondent for the Daily Signal. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
Photo “Gavin Newsom” by Gavin Newsom.
