Governor Newsom’s perfect record on clemency stayed intact today, as the Supreme Court recommended that Newsom commute the life-without-parole sentence of Hillena Beyene. The recommendation, made at Newsom’s request in July, is a constitutional prerequisite to the clemency, as it is for anyone who has been “twice convicted of a felony.”
Newsom’s request was filed under seal, but the cover letter described Mr. Beyene’s convictions as follows:
In 1992 and 1997, Mr. Beyene was convicted of drug-related felony offenses. In 1998, Mr. Beyene was convicted of vehicle theft, and in 2006, he was convicted of grand theft.
