California governor pardons woman sentenced to life as a teen in 90s for fatally shooting abuser

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(CNN) A California woman sentenced to life without the possibility of parole as a teenager for fatally shooting a man who abused and sex trafficked her was granted clemency Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Sara Kruzan was 16 at the time of the shooting, according to the pardon. In 1995, Kruzan was sentenced for first-degree murder, and a four-year consecutive firearm enhancement was added to the life sentence, according to a copy of the pardon obtained by CNN.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had commuted her sentence to 25 years to life in 2010, the pardon said.

In 2013, Kruzan was resentenced to 15 years to life for second-degree murder plus a four-year firearm enhancement, a total term of 19 years to life, according to the pardon. Kruzan was released after serving 18 years in prison.

"Ms. Kruzan committed a crime that took the life of the victim. Since then, Ms. Kruzan has transformed her life and dedicated herself to community service," according to the pardon. "This act of clemency for Ms. Kruzan does not minimize or· forgive her conduct or the harm it caused. It does recognize the work she has done since to transform herself."

Miffers on July 4th, 2022 at 16:06 UTC »

What a waste of taxpayer money, she shouldn’t have a life sentence in the first place. I see news stories of people doing a lot worse and only getting 25 years.

Intelligent_Stop5564 on July 4th, 2022 at 12:21 UTC »

Restraining orders don't work when someone wants to kill you and isn't afraid of jail, suicide or death by cop.

Police won't provide 24/7 protection. Police won't even arrest them or seize their guns.

There aren't enough shelters and you can only stay in them so long.

Women who live with monsters aren't stupid. They know their lives are at stake. It is self defense.

hermins on July 4th, 2022 at 08:37 UTC »

Good. Now give her that quarter-century back too.