California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) pardoned five inmates and commuted the sentences of several other state prison inmates – murderers included – amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on Friday.
It has been reported that he had been considering these cases previously and was going to grant a pardon to the inmates before the outbreak. Vicky Waters, a spokeswoman for Newsom, said, “The clemency requests were being considered before the coronavirus crisis, and, as resources permitted, the governor decided to move forward with them.”
Waters also said the governor, “also considered the public health impact of each grant, as well as each inmate’s individual health status and the suitability of their post-release plans, including housing.”
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The move comes after the attorneys of inmates at the state prison asked federal judges this week to release the inmates to combat the pandemic, citing the illnesses of one inmate and 12 employees.
Newsom said a mass release of inmates would prevent a strain on hospitals and healthcare systems already overwhelmed. He has already suspended transfers into the prison system for 30 days.
Waters also explained that the majority of inmates granted clemency where under the age of 26 at the times of their crimes and have since participated in rehabilitation programs. The commutations were eligible to seek parole; however, release decisions will still be made by the Board of Parole Hearings.
Some of the offenders selected for clemency and pardoned are listed as follows:
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