Newsom commutes Richard Allen Davis, prompting fury from Marc Klaas
- Governor Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death row sentences to life in prison.
- Richard Allen Davis, who murdered Polly Klaas, is among those affected.
- Marc Klaas described the commutation as a knife in the back.
- Newsom issued an open letter acknowledging the pain caused to victims' families.
- The order may require Supreme Court approval for inmates with multiple felony convictions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the commutation of 548 death row inmates' sentences to life in prison on November 5, 2026, as part of an effort to clear the state's death row.
The governor stated in an open letter that he would issue this commutation to every condemned person. He acknowledged that he understood the decision would hurt victims' families and cause anger.
Marc Klaas condemns commutation as a knife in the back
Richard Allen Davis, who received a death sentence in 1996 for the 1993 kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Ann Klaas, is among the inmates affected by the policy. Davis made an obscene gesture toward the courtroom during his 1996 sentencing hearing. Polly Klaas was kidnapped from a sleepover at her home in Petaluma.
Marc Klaas, the father of Polly Klaas, described the commutation as "a knife in the back". He stated that the decision "undermines my faith in the criminal justice system".
Notorious killers affected by the mass commutation
Governor Gavin Newsom’s order removes some of the state’s most reviled killers from death row. The decision could benefit 10 of the most dangerous offenders currently held in California prisons.
Joseph Naso, known as the "Alphabet Killer," received a death sentence in 2013 from a Marin County Superior Court judge for murdering at least four women between 1977 and 1994. Cary Stayner received a death sentence in 2002 from a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge for murdering four people near Yosemite National Park in 1999.
Chester Turner, known as the "Southside Slayer," received a death sentence in 2007 for killing 10 women. He received another death sentence in 2014 for the murders of four additional women.
Christopher Cheary received a death sentence in 2017 for the 2011 murder, rape, and torture of 3-year-old Sophia Acosta. Randy Kraft, known as the "Scorecard Killer," received a death sentence in 1989 for the murders of 16 hitchhikers and young men between 1971 and 1983.
Isauro Aguirre received a death sentence in 2018 for the 2013 torture and murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez. Charles Ng received a death sentence in 1989 for the abduction, torture, and murder of at least 11 people between 1983 and 1985 at a cabin in Calaveras County.
David Carpenter, known as the "Trailside Killer," received a death sentence in 1984 for murders in Santa Cruz and another in 1988 for murders in Marin County, totaling at least seven victims between 1980 and 1981. Cherie Rhoades, a former tribal leader, received a death sentence for fatally shooting four people at a tribal meeting in 2014.
Legal hurdles remain for some death row inmates
Newsom's order does not automatically remove every inmate from death row, as state law requires Supreme Court approval to commute sentences for those with numerous felony convictions. State law requires Supreme Court approval for inmates with numerous felony convictions.
Richard Allen Davis remains imprisoned at San Quentin State Prison.
Historical context of Newsom's stance on the death penalty
The crimes committed by Richard Allen Davis helped lead to the implementation of California's Three Strikes law.
In 2019, Newsom signed a moratorium on the death penalty while referencing the case of Pete Pianezzi.
Legacy of the KlaasKids Foundation
Marc Klaas founded the KlaasKids Foundation, a nonprofit that assisted in searching for missing children for 30 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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