California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he has commuted the sentences of five inmates who were serving life without the chance of parole for murder. This move reflects his belief that people who have changed their lives deserve a shot at freedom.
In total, the governor has recently pardoned 23 individuals and commuted the sentences of another 10. According to Newsom’s office, many recipients of clemency have faced traumatic childhoods and mental health issues that influenced the decisions they made in the past.
Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has granted a whopping 247 pardons, restoring essential rights to ex-felons, such as the right to serve on a jury or acquire professional licenses. Additionally, he has approved 160 commutations, enabling inmates to go before the parole board for possible release.
Among those receiving commutations is 63-year-old Randolph Hoag, who was convicted in 1990 of murdering his girlfriend’s ex-husband in Los Angeles County. Reports reveal that Hoag shot the victim, Charles Sweed, six times. Newsom has praised Hoag for showing a commitment to personal rehabilitation and noted that he now faces serious medical issues that classify him as a high-risk individual.
As a result, Hoag can now petition the Board of Parole to assess whether he poses a risk to public safety, taking into account viewpoints from victims, their families, and prosecutors. Newsom emphasized the gravity of Hoag’s offense but acknowledged the positive changes he has made since.
Cremae Sweed, sister of the deceased, expressed her heartbreak upon hearing about the commutation, recalling a promise from a prosecutor that Hoag would remain imprisoned. The sudden news left her shocked, and she felt that Hoag should remain incarcerated due to the nature of his crime.
Other individuals who benefitted from clemency include former young offenders like Christian Rodriguez. At just 19, he was involved in a fatal incident in 1996 and has since become a mentor for youth, showcasing significant rehabilitative progress.
The list also includes:
- David Fitts, sentenced for a gang-related shooting that occurred in 1992, who has shown commitment to his rehabilitation.
- Karina Poncio, who earned multiple degrees while incarcerated, was involved in a gang-related shooting at 21.
- Cleveland Lindley, who participated in a robbery at age 25 and has received recognition from correctional officers for his maturity and good conduct in prison.
Lastly, Arthur Battle’s sentence was reduced taking into account the hardships he faced as a child. He was sentenced for a contract killing at age 18 but has since worked toward his education while imprisoned.
This update is drawn from the Los Angeles Times.
