The Supreme Court today cleared the way for Governor Gavin Newsom to commute the sentences of Kristopher Blehm and Jose Ledesma. The court’s approvals are constitutionally required because the two clemency candidates have been convicted of multiple felonies.
Blehm is serving 25-years-to-life for first degree murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession of ammunition by a felon, and accessory to a felony. Ledesma’s current sentence is 33-years-to-life for attempted murder with a firearm enhancement and assault with a firearm on a person.
During Newsom’s term, the court has now approved 11 of his clemency recommendation requests (seven pardons and four sentence commutations) and, unlike with Governor Jerry Brown, has rejected none. Two more requests remain pending.
[March 29 update: Governor Newsom commuted Blehm’s and Ledesma’s sentences on March 27, along with 24 other clemency grants.]
