South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced the commutation of sentences for six individuals and granted pardons to nine others. These clemency actions were taken after a comprehensive review by the Office of Executive Clemency, the Office of General Counsel, and the Governor himself. The Governor indicated that more clemency announcements are expected before the year ends.

Governor Cooper emphasized the importance of careful case review in executing executive clemency, stating, "Ensuring careful review of cases while taking executive clemency action is a responsibility I take seriously." He noted that recommendations from the Juvenile Sentence Review Board played a crucial role in commuting sentences for crimes committed by minors. "All of these individuals are deserving of clemency," he added, affirming his commitment to community safety and criminal justice fairness.

The commutations followed an extensive examination of various factors such as crime circumstances, sentence length, prison records, and readiness for reintegration into society or parole consideration. Pardons were granted at the Governor's discretion to those who have shown significant progress since completing their sentences.

Among those whose sentences were commuted are Jonathan Burdette and Sethy Seam. Burdette has served nearly 20 years for armed robbery committed at age 17 and will be released on January 6, 2025. Seam has served about 25 years for involvement in robbery and murder at age 16; he will also be released on January 6, 2025.

Three other individuals received commutations through a now-repealed statutory process applicable only to certain offenders sentenced in the 1990s: Marquis McKenzie, Dwight Jordan, and William Dawson. Each will become eligible for parole following decades-long life sentences without parole.

Additionally, Toney King's sentence was commuted after serving 30 years for armed robberies across multiple counties. He too will become eligible for parole consideration.

The nine individuals granted pardons include Dakota Bradshaw and Sharon Redfearn among others who have demonstrated rehabilitation and positive contributions post-sentence completion.