Clemency Board Recommends Denial of Charles Graves’ Commutation Request

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 4–1 on March 13, 2026, to recommend that Governor Inslee deny Charles Graves’ petition for commutation of an aggravated first-degree murder sentence.

Supporters of Graves, who is nearly 80 and in poor health, told the board that he has lived decades without serious infractions, completed extensive prison programming and has strong community support. Volunteer counsel Amy Mann said the petition relied on Graves’ longstanding rehabilitation and medical condition; she told the board, “Charles takes 100% responsibility for murdering his wife,” and emphasized his remorse and long record of good behavior in custody.

But prosecutors and several board members said Graves had not acknowledged the full course of his prior abusive behavior and that the gravity of the offense and its impact on the victim’s family weigh heavily against commutation. Senior deputy prosecutor Christina Miyamasu said the prosecuting attorney’s office reviewed the 2021 hearing and found the underlying factors largely unchanged. David Martin, who leads domestic-violence work for King County, told the board the case evidences “a pattern of domestic abuse” and argued the petition minimized that history. Martin said, “Without responsibility, a central condition for clemency is missing.”

Board members described a fraught balance between mercy for an elderly, ailing inmate and accountability for a violent, premeditated killing. Chair Raymond Delas Reyes said the key issue for him was insight into the harm done, concluding, “It’s not the lack of insight. It’s that there’s no insight.” Vice Chair Doug Baldwin moved to recommend denial, arguing Graves had not demonstrated the accountability the board requires; Board Member Rhonda Salvesen seconded the motion.

The motion to recommend denial carried 4–1. The board’s recommendation is advisory; the governor retains the final authority on any commutation. The hearing record shows petitioners and prosecutors will submit materials to the governor, and the board noted that the decision will again cause victims’ family members to relive the trauma of the crime.

Background: Graves was convicted of aggravated first-degree murder in 1992. Supporters highlighted his age, serious health issues and 34 years of exemplary conduct in custody. Prosecutors pointed to trial records, an asserted pattern of coercive domestic abuse, and the seriousness of the offense. The board heard testimony from Graves, his counsel Amy Mann, a pastoral witness, and King County prosecutors including Christina Miyamasu and David Martin before deliberating and voting.

Next step: The board’s recommendation and hearing transcript will be transmitted to the governor’s office, which will make the final decision on the commutation request.