Many New Jersey residents are shocked and angry after Governor Phil Murphy granted clemency to 13 people convicted of murder or felony murder. These were not small crimes. These were some of the most serious violent offenses in the state.
The governor approved these releases as part of a large clemency action involving 55 total cases. But this round was different because it included people found guilty of taking lives, committing deadly robberies, and using weapons during violent crimes.
Many are now asking why the governor believes these individuals deserve early freedom.
The 13 People Convicted of Murder Who Were Given Clemency
Based on public records and reports, the following individuals were granted clemency even though they were found guilty of murder, felony murder, or other violent crimes:
- Lamar Alford – Murder, robbery, weapons charges
- Kenneth Bacon-Vaughters – Murder
- Lashawn Fitch – Felony murder, robbery
- Tieheen Fletcher – Murder
- John Florence – Murder
- Morris Jackmon – Murder
- Shawn Johnson – Murder
- Franklin Prather – Murder
- Omar Saunders – Felony murder
- Jibreel Vaughn – Murder
- Jermaine Williams – Felony murder
- Julius Morris – Murder
- Russell Owen – Felony murder, weapons charges
These crimes involved deadly violence, victims who never got a second chance, and families who still live with the pain. Now, these 13 offenders are being given the chance to walk free.
Why Many New Jersey Residents Are Outraged
Critics say this clemency decision puts public safety at risk. They argue:
- People who take lives should serve their full sentences.
- Families of victims were never told this would happen.
- The public had no say in releasing violent offenders back into communities.
- The state provided little explanation for each case.
Many residents believe the clemency program, which started in 2024, has gone too far. It was supposed to focus mostly on low-level and nonviolent cases. Instead, the governor approved clemency for people convicted of the most serious crimes possible.
Murphy’s Team Defends the Decision, But Questions Remain
The governor’s office says the clemency program is meant to correct what they see as outdated sentences and give second chances. But Murphy has not given detailed explanations for these particular murder cases. Critics say the public deserves to know how and why these decisions were made.
The list of violent offenders freed under Murphy continues to grow. With 283 total clemencies now granted during his administration, many fear he will release even more before leaving office.
A Serious Warning Sign for New Jersey?
Parents, seniors, and everyday taxpayers across New Jersey are asking the same simple question:
Why is the governor giving early release to murderers while the rest of us are told to worry about rising crime?
For many, this decision sends the wrong message. Victims did not get a second chance. Their families did not get a second chance. But these convicted killers are being given one by the state’s highest elected official.
As this story continues to spread, so does the concern that New Jersey’s justice system is becoming less about safety and more about politics.
