California police chiefs urge Gov. Newsom to reject mass death-row commutations

California’s top law-enforcement officials have formally appealed to Governor Gavin Newsom to abandon a contemplated mass commutation for death-row inmates, describing the proposal as “outrageous.” The plea, issued by the California Police Chiefs Association and headed by Tustin Police Chief Sean Thuilliez, warns that sparing roughly 563 condemned prisoners would undermine jury decisions and jeopardize public safety. Among those who could benefit are notorious killers such as Richard Allen Davis, Charles Ng and Cary Stayner.

The chiefs cite the recent failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee as a catalyst for the governor’s reconsideration. They stress that any commutation would need California Supreme Court approval and could alter the state’s long-standing execution moratorium established in 2019. The association argues that victims’ families, the legislature and future governors should have a voice in any such decision.