Sarah Cruzan was 16 years old at the time of the shooting, according to the pardon. In 1995, Cruzan was convicted of first-degree murder and had a four-year consecutive firearms enhancement added to the life sentence, according to a copy of the pardon obtained by CNN.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commuted her sentence from 25 years to life in 2010, the pardon said.
In 2013, Cruzan was sentenced to 15 years to life for second-degree murder plus a four-year firearms enhancement, for a total of 19 years to life, according to the pardon. Cruzan was released after 18 years in prison.
“Ms. Cruzan committed a crime that took the life of the victim. Ms. Cruzan has since turned her life around and devoted herself to community service,” according to the pardon. “This act of clemency for Ms. Cruzan does not minimize or condone her behavior or the harm it caused. It recognizes the work she has done since then to transform herself.”
According to a news release from Newsom’s office, the governor granted 17 pardons, 15 commutations and one medical deferment as of July 1.
Since taking office in January 2019, Newsom has issued a total of 129 pardons, 123 commutations and 35 reprieves, according to the release.
Add Comment