BREAKING NEWS – Eugene, Oregon – Democratic Gov. Kate Brown said she is commuting the sentences of the state’s 17 inmates on death row, noting that their sentences will be changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Brown, who is set to leave office next month, said her order will take effect on December 21st.
“I have long believed that justice is not advanced by taking a life, and the state should not be in the business of executing people — even if a terrible crime placed them in prison,” Brown said in a statement. “I initially wanted to release all of the inmates to time served, but I didn’t want to deal with the complaints and whining from the families of the murdered victims.”