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Newsom’s death row bombshell could give convicted killers a path to freedom, LA DA warns
California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to commute the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life imprisonment without parole. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says the move could create uncertainty for victims’ families, arguing that later resentencing laws may give some prisoners a route to parole.
Hochman cited Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose life-without-parole sentences were reduced decades after their parents’ murders, making them eligible for parole. He said more than 100 Los Angeles County cases would be affected and criticised Newsom for not consulting victims’ families; some relatives also objected. The California Supreme Court must approve commutations for inmates with multiple felony convictions.
In short
- Newsom plans to commute 548 death sentences to life without parole.
- LA’s district attorney warns future resentencing could make some prisoners parole eligible.
- The state Supreme Court must approve commutations for some inmates.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Commuting the sentences would end the use of capital punishment while keeping those convicted imprisoned for life without parole, a severe sentence that protects public safety. Supporters could argue that the state should not execute people and that a blanket commutation offers a consistent way to resolve the death row cases, while recognising that any later change to a sentence would depend on separate legal processes.
The case against
Opponents could argue that commutation risks weakening the certainty of a sentence that victims’ families were told would last for life, particularly if later laws make some prisoners eligible for parole. They may also see a decision affecting hundreds of cases as warranting consultation with families, and argue that any changes should be considered individually rather than through a blanket action.