November 5, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Public Affairs
Phone: 909-387-3700
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus Releases Statement after Governor Gavin Newsom’s Death Penalty Commutations
“Governor Newsom’s decision to commute the death sentences of hundreds of convicted murderers is reprehensible and disregards the victims, their families, and the juries who carefully considered the evidence before imposing these sentences. In San Bernardino County, these cases represent some of the most horrific crimes our communities have experienced, including the murder of five members of the Nguyen family in San Bernardino, the torture and murder of five-year-old Arthur Jennings in Apple Valley, and the devastating 2003 Old Fire that destroyed approximately 1,000 homes and resulted in five murder convictions. These were not arbitrary sentences; they were imposed following extensive investigations, criminal trials, and judicial proceedings. California voters have repeatedly upheld the death penalty, and their decisions deserve to be respected.
Sacramento lawmakers have repeatedly attempted to weaken life-without-parole sentences. How long before politicians decide that life without parole should no longer mean life? Victims’ families deserve certainty, not another empty promise from Sacramento. I stand firmly with San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson and support his continued legal efforts to defend California’s death penalty before the courts. Behind every conviction is a victim whose life was taken and a family forever changed. We owe these families more than political fodder. We owe them justice that cannot be undone by the next decision coming out of Sacramento.” Shannon Dicus – Sheriff, San Bernardino County
