Kern and Los Angeles County District Attorneys Respond to Newsom’s Death Penalty Decision

Kern and Los Angeles County District Attorneys Respond to Newsom’s Death Penalty Decision

Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman have both issued statements criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to commute 548 death sentences to life without parole.

Zimmer called the move an “unprecedented abuse of power,” while Hochman acknowledged the governor’s constitutional authority but emphasized that voters have twice rejected efforts to abolish the death penalty.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office also stated it will continue evaluating death penalty-eligible cases under existing California law.

Both offices expressed concern for victims’ families and the impact of the decision.