Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Commutes Four Death Sentences
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Office of the Governor(ANNAPOLIS, Md.) — Maryland’s outgoing governor has reduced the sentences of four convicted killers, from death to life in prison without parole.
The Maryland legislature abolished the state’s death penalty two years ago, but it remained unclear whether four prisoners awaiting execution would still be put to death.
In one of his final acts as governor, before Republican Larry Hogan is sworn in, Democrat Martin O’Malley has spared the four inmates.
The four will remain in state prison without the possibility of parole.
O’Malley, who’s considering a run for president in 2016, said in a release that leaving the death sentences in place would “not serve the public good.”
Leaving death sentences in place does not serve the people of MD. I met w/ victims’ families & hope this brings some measure of closure.
— Martin O’Malley (@GovernorOMalley) December 31, 2014
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