California Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to use his executive authority in an effort to eliminate the use of the death penalty.
Law enforcement sources old NBC News in Los Angeles Tuesday evening that Newsom plans to announce on Wednesday plans to grant a reprieve to all of California's condemned prisoners on death row, two sources familiar with the situation said. It was not immediately clear what form the reprieve may take.
Michele Hanisee, president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys in Los Angeles, said in a statement Tuesday that voters have continually supported the use of the death penalty.
California's Supreme Court ruled in 1972 that capital punishment amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. State lawmakers re-enacted the death penalty statute in 1977 before voters reaffirmed capital punishment at the ballot box in 1978.
The state has executed 13 inmates since 1976. California is believed to have more than 700 inmates on death row.
(Photo credit reporting partner 10News)