Gov. Gavin Newsom has commuted the sentences of five inmates who were serving life without parole for murder, giving them a chance to seek release after what his office described as significant personal transformation. In total, Newsom pardoned 23 people and commuted the sentences of 10 others.
According to the governor’s office, many individuals granted clemency had histories of childhood trauma and mental health challenges that influenced their actions. Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has issued 247 pardons—which restore certain rights such as jury service or eligibility for professional licenses—and approved 160 commutations, which allow inmates to appear before a parole board.
This round of clemency included pardons for convictions ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to burglary and drug offenses. The governor’s office said these decisions were based on individuals’ conduct since conviction and recommendations from elected officials, law enforcement officers, and community leaders.
One case involved Randolph Hoag, convicted in Los Angeles County in 1990 for murdering his girlfriend’s ex-husband. At age 63, Hoag is now eligible for parole consideration due to his rehabilitation efforts and serious medical conditions. “This act of clemency for Mr. Hoag does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused,” Newsom wrote in his order. “It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself.”
The family of Charles Sweed, Hoag’s victim, expressed strong opposition to the commutation. Cremae Sweed stated: “My brother has been dead longer than he was alive, and [Hoag] is still alive,” she said. “He deliberately killed another man, so no, I don’t want him out, and he shouldn’t come out.”
Christian Rodriguez was also among those whose sentences were reduced; at age 19 he killed one person and injured another in 1996. Now eligible for parole at age 47, Rodriguez received recognition from correctional officers for mentoring youth offenders and making rehabilitative progress. “Mr. Rodriguez has worked as both a youth offender and peer literacy mentor, and correctional officers have commended him for his leadership and rehabilitative gains,” Newsom wrote.
Other cases included David Fitts—sentenced at age 23 after involvement in a fatal shooting—who was recognized by correctional staff for good conduct; Karina Poncio—convicted at age 21 following a gang-related confrontation resulting in death—who earned three associate degrees while incarcerated; Cleveland Lindley—sentenced at age 25 for armed robbery—who participated in service dog training programs; and Arthur Battle—convicted at age 18 of contract killing—whose sentence was reduced citing evidence of childhood trauma.
Newsom’s office noted that Battle had experienced adverse childhood events impacting his development but had since completed educational milestones while aiding disabled inmates.
Those receiving sentence reductions will be able to appear before California’s Board of Parole Hearings which evaluates public safety risk with input from victims’ families and prosecutors.
