New Jersey governor pardons 33 and commutes 3 sentences, including case supported by Kim Kardashian
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signs a pardon for Abdur Azam, left, on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at his statehouse office in Trenton. (AP photo/Mike Catalini)
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday pardoned 33 people and commuted the sentences of three women, one of whom was supported by Kim Kardashian.
Murphy’s first use of his clemency authority comes after he set up a special review board in June aimed at bringing cases deserving of a pardon or commutation for review. There will be additional grants of mercy, the governor said.
Murphy said he wants New Jersey to become known for righting past injustices during an at times emotional ceremony, where at least one of the people pardoned was present in the room. Also in attendance were two adult children of a woman whose murder sentence was commuted.
“We rededicate ourselves to ensuring that New Jersey is the state for second chances,” he said.
An emotional highpoint came as Murphy discussed Dawn Jackson, whose case Kardashian championed. Jackson’s daughter was tearful as Murphy spoke, saying Jackson had gotten a GED diploma and an associate’s degree in prison, where she’s been serving a 30-year sentence since 1999 on a murder conviction.
Murphy said that in the three cases of commuting the women’s sentences, including Jackson’s, domestic violence was a factor that didn’t play a mitigating role at the time of the convictions.
“I think we’re a much more — thank God I might add — survivor-centric society,” he said.
Loreale Wilson, Jackson’s daughter, said the experience gave her a sense of perseverance.
“What this means for me, I can’t begin to put into words, but that I am completely speechless, overwhelmed with joy, and can’t wait to experience all that God has for us,” she said.
Kardashian, who has used her celebrity to put a spotlight on criminal justice reform, said in a statement that Murphy chose “redemption over condemnation.”
“Dawn’s second chance and impending freedom shows us what’s possible when we focus on supporting survivors, prioritizing safety, and committing to real justice,” Kardashian said.
Abdur Azim stood alongside Murphy, smiling, as Murphy signed his pardon. He told the governor that getting the pardon was like having “a knife pulled out from my heart.” Azim had shoplifting, drug possession and robbery convictions going back to 1986. He currently works in the Department of Corrections, the governor said.
Along with Azim, Murphy pardoned 32 others who had a range of convictions, including for shoplifting, making threats and possessing drugs. Murphy said the clemency board he set up determined that each of them had “accepted responsibility for their actions” and were setting a positive example for others in their community.
Murphy’s second term ends in January 2026. He’s barred by term limits from seeking a third term in next year’s gubernatorial contest.