Clemency board recommends commutation for 'Mr. Comes Last' after members change votes

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 3–1 on March 12, 2026, to recommend commutation for the petition identified in the hearing record as "Mr. Comes Last." Chair Raymond Delis Reyes called the roll after a late change in position by Board Member Rhonda Salveson.

Salveson told the board she had “decided to change my vote” after further reflection and described the petitioner’s remorse and community engagement, saying he had “shown remarkable change” and that his sentence “no longer serves the interest of justice.” Vice Chair Doug Baldwin Jr. also supported forwarding a recommendation to the governor, saying he believed the petitioner had demonstrated “worthy rehabilitation.”

The motion that had been on the floor earlier—a motion to deny the commutation request—was put to a vote and failed. Board Member Salveson then voted against that deny motion, creating the opportunity for a new motion. Board Member Aline Flower moved to recommend commutation and Baldwin seconded. The board recorded the final tally as 3 in favor and 1 opposed; the board’s recommendation will be sent to the governor, who has final authority.

The board’s action is advisory: Chair Delis Reyes reminded the petitioner that the governor “ultimately has the final word and discretion” whether to follow the recommendation. The board thanked counsel and staff who assisted the petition review. No details in the hearing record indicate the governor’s office response timeline.

What happens next: the recommendation and supporting materials will be transmitted to the governor’s office for consideration under the executive clemency process.