On Friday, June 26, Governor Gavin Newsom commuted the sentences of 21 current inmates. One of these inmates, Thomas Waterbury, murdered my sister Debbie. They were married at the time.

On Christmas Eve 1980, Waterbury shot Debbie twice as she slept. Waterbury was convicted of first-degree murder in 1981 and sentenced to life without parole plus two years as the murder was carefully planned in advance, was carried out for financial gain, and used a firearm. Governor Newsom has recommended Waterbury be granted a parole hearing and reduced his sentence to life with parole. Although California law requires the victim’s family to be notified in advance of commutation, our family was never notified.

My family’s opposition to Newsom’s actions is not a political statement but an effort to lift up our voices to ensure that we, the victim’s family, are heard. On Christmas Eve 1980, my sister lost her voice, so we are seeking your support to uphold justice. 

Please sign the petition and share widely with all of your networks