Branstad Refuses to Commute Five Sentences

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has denied five inmates’ requests to lessen the long prison terms they are now serving.

Of the inmates denied commutation Tuesday, two are serving life sentences for first-degree murder, including one man whose crime was committed more than 54 years ago. Another is serving a life sentence for first-degree kidnapping.

Commutation denotes the modification or reduction of a punishment. Under Iowa law, first-degree murder is punishable by life in prison without parole.

Two others are serving 25-year terms for first-degree robbery convictions, and they become eligible for parole when 70 percent of their sentence has been served. Both their crimes were committed in November 2003.

Branstad has commuted only three life sentences during his 20 years in office.