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Newsom Weighs Commutations for 563 Death-Row Inmates

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Governor Gavin Newsom is weighing commutations of California’s 563 death-row inmates to life without parole.
Sheriff Don Barnes and San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow say the plan betrays voters and victims.
Advocate Marc Klaas, whose daughter Polly was murdered, called Newsom “a pig” and condemned the proposal.
Newsom imposed a moratorium and dismantled San Quentin’s execution chamber two months after taking office.

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Governor Gavin Newsom is weighing commutations of California’s 563 death-row inmates to life without parole.
Sheriff Don Barnes and San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow say the plan betrays voters and victims.
Advocate Marc Klaas, whose daughter Polly was murdered, called Newsom “a pig” and condemned the proposal.
Newsom imposed a moratorium and dismantled San Quentin’s execution chamber two months after taking office.