Victims' Advocates Slam Newsom's Decision to Commute Death Sentences
The move converts every death sentence to life without parole and triggers criticism from victims’ families, prosecutors and law enforcement.
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentences of all 548 inmates on death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- Newsom, who imposed an execution moratorium in 2019 shortly after taking office, wrote that "state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values" and undermines the legal system's foundations.
- A neighbor of seven-year-old Danielle van Dam, murdered by David Westerfield in 2002, wrote she waited 24 years for his execution: "And now thanks to @GavinNewsom, it looks like it will never happen."
- Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal condemned the move as a "slap in the face" to victims' families, arguing the blanket decision replaces individualized jury verdicts with personal policy.
- The California Supreme Court must approve commutations for roughly 70% of death row inmates with multiple felony convictions, as mandated by the California Constitution before Newsom leaves office January 4.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Merced leaders condemn commutation of killer's death sentence in Officer Stephan Gray case
More than 20 years after the fatal shooting of Merced Police Officer Stephan Gray, local officials and community members are speaking out after Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentence of Gray's convicted killer, Tao Rivera.
SATIRE NEWS: Gavin Newsom Commutes All California Death Sentences
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) commuted the sentences of all 548 people currently on California’s death row, claiming “state-sactioned killing is incompatible” with our shared values. What do you think? “The state should only sanction murder outside our country.” Chandra Ferrara, Drawer Slider “I’ve got some outstanding parking tickets if he’s got time for those, too.” Tim Llanas, Snake Farmer “Are their last meals up for grabs then?” Scott Dutreix, Dart…
The Washington Free Beacon
Conservative ReviewGavin the Merciful: Newsom’s 548 Death Row Commutations of Infamous Child Murderers and Serial Killers Overshadow Biden’s Notorious Clemency Spree
Over the past 50 years, 917 death row inmates in the United States have received clemency. Nearly 60 percent of those inmates were spared on Thursday when outgoing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) commuted the death sentences of the state's 548 death row inmates, including several notorious serial killers and child murderers. The post Gavin the Merciful: Newsom’s 548 Death Row Commutations of Infamous Child Murderers and Serial Killers Overshad…
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