Kansas gov. grants 7 pardons, commutations Wednesday
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has granted clemency to seven individuals on Wednesday.
Kelly said in a news release that she is commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and pardoning five others on Nov. 6. She made this decision as all are showing "strong sign of rehabilitation," according to a press release from the Office of the Governor.
Independent reviews from the Prison Review Board, Kansas Department of Administration and Kelly's legal team aided in these decisions.
“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,” Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”
- Pardons
- Jose Arellano
- Stephen Gontz
- Jeffrey Gronewaller
- James Valentine
- Scottie Way
- Commutations
- Lauren Holle
- Deshaun Durham
Kelly examined each case before making her decision to pardon or commute. Factors used in this decision-making process included the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victors/survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison and more, according to the news release. More information on this process can be found by clicking here.
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