Noting recent clemency grants and broader clemency record of Michigan Gov Whitmer

This new local press article, headlined “Whitmer grants clemency to 5, including two first-degree murder convicts, but not DeLisle,” caught my attention in part because the Governor of Michigan is among a number of prominent Democratic officials getting extra attention amid debate over President Joe Biden’s seemingly uncertain status as a presidential candidate.  Helpfully, this new press piece discusses Gov Whitmer’s recent clemency work in the context of broader clemency records in Michigan:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pardoned two individuals and commuted the sentences of three others, including two inmates who were convicted of first-degree murder and would otherwise spend the rest of their lives in prison…. 

In a Wednesday statement, Whitmer said the clemency designations were based on recommendations from the Michigan Parole Board.  “By granting clemency to five individuals who have taken accountability for their actions, we will offer them a fair shot to build a good life in Michigan,” Whitmer said.

Both the governor and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said the clemency decisions are part of an effort to give people in the criminal justice system a second chance. They noted other measures include recent expansions of “Clean Slate” legislation meant to wipe nonviolent offenses off people’s records and intervention programs in the court system to connect people to mental health aid, substance abuse support and job resources….

Hundreds of individuals request a pardon or commutation each year through applications submitted to the Michigan Parole Board, which reviews those applications, sometimes grants hearings and then makes a recommendation to the governor. The governor grants several of the requests each year.  In 2023 alone, 521 individuals submitted applications seeking commutations.

Since becoming governor in 2019 and with Wednesday’s numbers included, Whitmer has commuted the sentences of 35 inmates, including seven who were convicted of first-degree murder, and three with second-degree murder convictions, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. In 2022, Whitmer also granted pardons to four people who’d already served their sentences for nonviolent offenses.

By comparison, Democratic former Gov. Jennifer Granholm granted commutations to 180 prisoners from 2003-11, and Republican former Gov. Rick Snyder commuted 32 sentences from 2011-18.  Overall, Michigan governors have commuted the sentences of 379 prisoners since 1969, 162 of whom had been convicted of first-degree murder, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records. Clemency was granted to 95 inmates for medical reasons.