Biden Commutes Sentences of 37 Inmates on Death Row, Including Child Killers

President Biden's Act of Clemency Before Christmas

President Joe Biden has decided to commute the sentences of 37 inmates on death row, including individuals convicted of child killings, just weeks before leaving office.

Biden's Stance on the Death Penalty

Biden's latest act of clemency follows his earlier decision to commute 1,500 sentences and pardon 39 others, marking the largest single-day act of clemency during his tenure.

Notable Cases Among Commuted Sentences

The sentences commuted by Biden include those of individuals like Thomas Sanders, who kidnapped and killed Lexis Roberts, 12, and Jorge Avila-Torrez, convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering two girls in 2005.

Reducing Death Sentences to Life Imprisonment

With these commutations, only three individuals remain on federal death row, as Biden reaffirmed his commitment to ending the use of the death penalty in the United States.

Controversy and Backlash

Biden faced criticism for the commutations, especially for his decision to pardon his son Hunter from potential prison time. Despite the backlash, Biden defended his actions, claiming his son had been treated unfairly.

Historical Context of Presidential Clemency

It is a tradition for presidents to issue pardons before the transfer of power. Biden's actions set a new record for the most clemencies ever granted in US history, surpassing figures from previous administrations.

Continued Developments

Biden's flurry of clemency actions in his final weeks as president has sparked debates and discussions across the political spectrum, with ongoing developments in various cases.

This is a developing story...