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Clemency board deadlocks on Miriam Oliver pardon; absent chair to review
Summary
The Clemency and Pardons Board heard testimony for and against a pardon for Miriam Oliver and tied 2–2 on a recommendation; the absent chair will later review the record and place a recommendation on the public record.
The Clemency and Pardons Board deadlocked on a recommendation for a pardon for Miriam Oliver after a televised June 12 hearing that split members 2–2. Vice Chair Doug Baldwin Jr. said the absent board chair will review the record and make a recommendation to be entered on the record later; the governor retains final authority.
Oliver, 14 at the time of the crime, appeared before the board and described her childhood trauma, long-term remorse and more than two decades of program work and volunteering since her release. "I come before you with humility, remorse, and full accountability for the pain and loss I caused," Oliver said, urging the board that a pardon would remove barriers that limit her ability to serve and to be fully present for her daughter.
Pro bono counsel Ashley O'Connor McCready framed Oliver's petition around juvenile neurodevelopment and rehabilitation, telling members Oliver "was 13 when recruited, 14 when the crime occurred," and that modern sentencing and juvenile-science approaches would likely have produced different outcomes. McCready said Oliver has completed nearly every available prison program, mentors youth, and now works with community organizations.
Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Jason Cummings opposed a pardon on victims'-rights and extraordinary-remedy grounds. Cummings described the attackand urged the board to consider that a pardon "wipes the slate clean," which he said is a higher bar than rehabilitation alone. "A pardon is an extraordinary remedy," he said, and argued victims' voices must be respected.
Coleen (Kelly) Mueller, daughter of the victim, read a written statement and told the board the family's pain remains profound and that she opposed a pardon. "I don't believe she should be awarded a pardon," Mueller said, describing the lasting harm to her family and arguing existing post-release restrictions and supports are sufficient.
Board members expressed the difficulty of the decision. Member Aileen Flower moved to recommend a pardon, citing Oliver's age at the time of the offense and transformative rehabilitation; Member Kazi Joshua seconded. After brief discussion the board recorded a 2to2 tie. Vice Chair Baldwin said the absent chair will review materials and enter a recommendation on the record, and he reminded participants that any board recommendation is advisory to the governor.
The board closed the hearing after recording the tie and noting that the governor will make the final decision. The chair's forthcoming review will be added to the public record and staff will notify parties of next steps.
