Gov. Polis Signs Death Penalty Repeal Bill, Commutes Death Row Sentences to Life in Prison Without Parole

DENVER - Today Gov. Polis signed SB20-100, repealing the death penalty in Colorado going forward. 

The Governor also commuted the sentences of the three men on death row in Colorado to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“Commutations are typically granted to reflect evidence of extraordinary change in the offender. That is not why I am commuting these sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Rather, the commutations of these despicable and guilty individuals are consistent with the abolition of the death penalty in the State of Colorado, and consistent with the recognition that the death penalty cannot be, and never has been, administered equitably in the State of Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis, echoing the Executive Orders. 

“While I understand that some victims agree with my decision and others disagree, I hope this decision provides clarity and certainty for them moving forward. The decision to commute these sentences was made to reflect what is now Colorado law, and done after a thorough outreach process to the victims and their families,” the Governor continued.

To date, the Governor has granted clemency to eleven individuals, which includes six commutations and five pardons. 

Click here to read the full Executive Orders. 

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