Gov’s move could impact more than 70 convicted felons
By Terry Murry on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Oregon Legislature weakened the mandatory minimum sentencing for major crimes committed by juvenile offenders in the 2019 session, with supporters saying it would not be retroactive. A recent action by Gov. Kate Brown has changed that, however.
Brown has commuted the sentences of more than 70 felons who were convicted between 1988 and 2019 when they were younger than 18. That commutation does not mean they will be released, but it entitles them to apply for parole.
Brown issued the order due to recent research about juveniles who commit crimes, showing that they should be treated differently from adults because their brains aren’t fully developed.
Brown issued the order without consulting with district attorneys or the victims of the crimes, which include rape, manslaughter, and murder. Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus said that was a mistake.
“I’ve sat and I’ve listened to some of the victims that are going through this and I can’t begin to describe the pain that they’re going through,” he said.”
Measure 11 was approved by Oregon voters twice. He said it’s wrong that victims of serious crimes find themselves having to relive them years later. “I couldn’t imagine going through it a first time,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine having that open back up and having to do it a second time. I think that’s what’s important is to continue have our voice to be heard so that they can understand what kind of cases that we’re talking about and what impact that could have on our community.”
