California prosecutors condemn Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to commute all 548 state death sentences. They call the move a direct assault on victims, jurors and the will of California voters.
Prosecutors Decry Newsom’s Blanket Commutation
District attorneys across the state argue the governor’s order overrides jury verdicts. They also ignore families and defy two voter‑approved measures that preserved capital punishment.
Newsom announced the commutations on Thursday, saying state‑sanctioned killing conflicts with California’s values. He warned the policy would convert sentences to life without parole while 382 cases await review by the California Supreme Court.
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho warned, “Justice requires case‑by‑case consideration, not one‑size‑fits‑all decisions.” He emphasized that justice requires case‑by‑case consideration.
Political Motives and Victim Rights
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson accused the governor of seeking political capital rather than showing courage. He noted that Newsom never consulted the families of victims such as Kevin Cooper’s survivors.
He stressed that political motives undermine genuine justice.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer labeled the policy “mercy for the wolves” that inflicts “the ultimate act of cruelty on the sheep.” He said new parole regulations could move life‑without‑parole inmates closer to release.
Legal Challenges Loom
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow warned that a single order erases hundreds of individualized judgments. He added that it does so without examining any case facts.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas called the decision “a slap in the face to victims and their families,” and said it tears wounds wide open. He warned the ruling deepens pain for families already reeling from loss.
Prosecutors noted that California voters rejected death‑penalty repeal measures in 2012 and 2016 while approving Proposition 66 in 2016, which streamlined capital‑punishment appeals. They argue that Newsom’s action bypasses those ballot decisions without repealing the law.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said her office is researching lawful remedies to ensure victims’ voices are heard. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer declared, “This assault on justice will be challenged.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman acknowledged the governor’s clemency authority but stressed that only the Legislature or voters may abolish the death penalty. He emphasized that the plan does not repeal capital punishment.
Fox News Digital has not received a comment from the governor’s office before publication. The governor’s office has not responded to inquiries.
