Newsom converts 548 California death sentences to life without parole

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that he will commute every current death sentence in California to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The move impacts 548 individuals currently facing capital punishment.

The governor outlined the decision in an open letter, stating he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with the state's values. He wrote that the practice undermines legal foundations and diminishes everyone. Newsom noted that while many Californians believe those who commit brutal crimes deserve to die, he concluded the state cannot morally kill them.

This action does not repeal the death penalty or stop prosecutors from seeking it in future cases. Newsom said those decisions remain with prosecutors, juries, and courts. He described life without parole as the most severe punishment available to him through clemency powers.

The commutation process faces procedural hurdles for some inmates. The state constitution requires court approval before a governor can grant clemency to anyone convicted of more than one felony. Consequently, some of the 548 commutations will need review by the California Supreme Court.

California has not executed anyone since 2006. Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions shortly after taking office in 2019. Voters have repeatedly kept the death penalty in the state. In 2012, they rejected Proposition 34, which would have abolished capital punishment. Four years later, they turned back a repeal effort in Proposition 62 while approving Proposition 66 to speed up cases.