Clemency board unanimously recommends commutation for Albert Spears to 2031, with restitution and no-contact conditions

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 5–0 on March 12, 2026, to recommend that Governor consider commuting the sentence of Albert Spears to an effective release date in 2031, subject to conditions requiring payment of restitution to victim Robert White and continued no-contact orders with victims and their families.

The recommendation came after counsel for Spears, Marla Zink, summarized three pillars for commutation: the circumstances of the 1996 crimes in light of PCP-related intoxication and psychiatric evaluations; changes in sentencing law and youth-brain science that would affect sentencing today; and Mr. Spears’ sustained rehabilitation during 30 years of incarceration. "It is in the interest of justice to recommend commutation here," Zink told the board, urging members to consider Spears’ post‑incarceration supports and release plan.

Board members probed legal and factual claims during the petitioner’s presentation and Mr. Spears’ testimony. The board heard detailed questions about restitution (the record showed total obligations of $86,289.99 with roughly $6,000 paid to date) and about whether intoxication, implicit bias and gang affiliation influenced the crimes. Mr. Spears addressed the board directly, apologized to victims and described education, sobriety and mentoring roles he said he has sustained in prison. "I want to apologize to Mr. White and his family," Spears said in his prepared remarks.

Pierce County prosecutors did not present a formal live opposition but Brooke Burbank, assistant chief of the Pierce County criminal division, appeared and introduced victim Robert White to the board. White, who survives the 1996 shooting with serious injuries, opposed commutation in emotional testimony and questioned the defense argument that intoxication explains the crimes. "He's guilty. He's gotta serve his time," White told the board.

After closing the testimonial portion, board member Kazi Joshua moved to recommend a commutation effective 2031, conditioned on repayment of restitution to Mr. White and preservation of no-contact orders; Chair Raymond Delos Reyes seconded. The board voted 5–0 to approve the motion. Chair Delos Reyes reiterated that the board’s action is a recommendation and that the governor retains the final decision.

What happens next: The board will forward its recommendation and record to the governor’s office for review. Any change to Mr. Spears’ legal status will require executive action by the governor; the board’s recommendation does not itself alter his sentence.

Sources: Board proceedings, testimony from counsel Marla Zink and petitioner Albert Spears, victim Robert White, and Pierce County prosecutor Brooke Burbank. The board recorded the motion and a 5–0 vote recommending commutation effective 2031 with the two conditions.