SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday commuted the sentences of four men convicted in Sacramento County shootings, including three killings, citing their efforts to rehabilitate themselves through education, vocational training and prison work programs.

The four were among 57 people granted clemency Thursday, including 30 whose prison sentences were commuted and 27 who received pardons, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has granted 303 pardons and 199 commutations.

Those granted pardons and commutations were recommended for clemency by elected officials, correctional staff, including a former prison warden, medical professionals, teachers and community and faith leaders.

“Motivating good behavior is an essential part of any successful justice system,” according to the news release. “The Governor weighs numerous factors in clemency cases, including an applicant’s self-development since the offense, if the grant is consistent with public safety, and the impact of a grant on the community, including crime victims and survivors.”

A pardon may remove barriers to employment and public service and restore certain civic rights. Commutations reduce prison sentences, generally allowing incarcerated people who have demonstrated rehabilitation to seek earlier parole consideration. A commutation does not guarantee release.

Jeremy Chiu was 27 years old when he shot and killed a person during a 2001 Sacramento County robbery. Chiu was convicted of murder, second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and reckless evasion of police. He was sentenced in May 2002 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Chiu, now 52, has been incarcerated for 25 years. The Governor’s Office said Chiu has worked toward rehabilitation through extensive self-help programs, earning his GED and taking college courses. He is now a certified drug and alcohol addiction counselor, and prison staff have commended him for his integrity and accountability.

“Mr. Chiu committed a serious crime that took the victim’s life,” according to the governor’s commutation order. “Since then, he has demonstrated a commitment to his rehabilitation and self-improvement.”

Newsom commuted Chiu’s sentence to 25 years to life, giving him an opportunity to seek parole.

Gerald Ellis was 24 years old in 2005 when he participated in a home invasion robbery in Sacramento County during which one of his accomplices shot and killed a person. Ellis was convicted of murder and sentenced in January 2007 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ellis, now 45, has been incarcerated for 21 years. He has earned associate and bachelor’s degrees while in prison, works as a peer support specialist and has maintained an excellent disciplinary history, according to the Governor’s Office.

The state Board of Parole Hearings and the California Supreme Court recommended a commutation for Ellis.

“I have carefully considered and weighed the evidence of Mr. Ellis’ positive conduct in prison, the fact that he was a youthful offender and his good prospects for successful community reentry,” according to the governor’s commutation order.

Newsom commuted Ellis’ sentence to 25 years to life, allowing him to seek parole.

Ronald Prasad was 20 years old in 2004 when he and an accomplice robbed a person at gunpoint in Sacramento County. As they fled, Prasad shot and wounded a second person.

Prasad was convicted of attempted murder and robbery. He was sentenced in June 2005 to 10 years to life in prison plus 50 years to life for sentencing enhancements.

Prasad, now 42, has been incarcerated for 22 years. In prison, he has completed extensive vocational training, earned a GED, taken college courses and worked as a companion dog trainer.

Newsom commuted Prasad’s sentence to 60 years to life, making him eligible for earlier parole consideration, subject to applicable review periods. The governor cited Prasad’s rehabilitation and good conduct in prison.

Ro Vo was 18 years old in 1998 when he shot and killed a rival gang member during a confrontation in Sacramento County. He was convicted of murder and assault with a firearm.

Vo was sentenced in February 2000 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Vo, now 46, has been incarcerated for 28 years. While in prison, he has maintained a positive work history, earned his GED and been commended by prison staff for his positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Newsom commuted Vo’s sentence to 28 years to life, citing his good conduct in prison and commitment to rehabilitation. The commutation gives Vo an opportunity to seek parole.

Two more men convicted of crimes in the Sacramento region were among those pardoned by Newsom.

Sanjay Punian was convicted in Sutter County and sentenced in August 2005 to one year and four months in prison for receiving a stolen vehicle. In June 2015, Sutter County Superior Court granted Punian a certificate of rehabilitation and recommended that he receive a pardon.

Punian was granted a pardon in recognition of his rehabilitation and military service. The Governor’s Office cited “the work he has done to transform himself, and his past service in the U.S. Air Force.”

Khamphang Sida was convicted in Sacramento County in April 1997 and sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years of probation for drug possession. In October 1998, Sida was again convicted of drug possession and sentenced to 120 days in jail and four years of probation.

In December 2004, Sida was convicted of possessing drugs for sale and sentenced to three years in prison.

The state Board of Parole Hearings and the California Supreme Court recommended a pardon for Sida. He was granted a pardon after completing his prison sentence and demonstrating “good conduct in the community,” according to the Governor’s Office.

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