Outgoing Louisiana Governor Releases 40 Murderers Among 56 Pardoned Inmates

• Louisiana's outgoing governor, John Bel Edwards, pardons 56 inmates, including 40 convicted murderers.
• Edwards' actions are part of his efforts to reduce Louisiana's status as the biggest jailer per capita in the United States.
• Edwards' successor, Jeff Landry, has expressed opposing views on crime and punishment, indicating a potential reversal of Edwards' reforms.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, the state's outgoing Democratic governor and the only one in the South, has made a significant move in the final phase of his tenure by pardoning 56 inmates, including 40 convicted murderers.

This action aligns with his long-term goal to reduce Louisiana's prison population and change its reputation as the biggest jailer per capita in the U.S. Edwards' efforts included legislative changes in 2017 that shortened some prison sentences and expanded parole eligibility, particularly for nonviolent offenders.

Photo byPawel CzerwinskionUnsplash

Notable cases among the pardoned include David Rushing, who was sentenced to death for a 1983 murder but later had his sentence commuted due to legal appeals, and Anthony Riggins, convicted in 1977 for killing a shopkeeper. Edwards, a 57-year-old lawyer, has consistently advocated for reforming the justice system, aiming to shift the state's approach from increased incarceration to more rehabilitative measures.

However, Edwards' successor, Jeff Landry, has different views. Landry, known for his tough stance on crime, intends to increase policing and push for more stringent sentencing. He has criticized the lack of executions in Louisiana and is likely to pursue more aggressive law enforcement policies, contrasting Edwards' approach. This divergence in perspectives highlights the ongoing debate over the best strategies for managing crime and punishment in Louisiana.

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