Clemency board recommends commutation for ex-officer Matthias Bachmeier after split vote

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 3–2 to recommend commutation for former Tacoma officer Matthias Bachmeier, who seeks relief from a life-without-parole sentence for a 1996 aggravated murder.

Bachmeier, 79, read a prepared statement to the board, accepting responsibility for the killing of James Wren in 1996 and describing years of treatment for trauma and remorse. He told the board he had been changed by therapy and solitary-confinement reflection and said he planned to continue treatment and pursue a release plan that included counseling and placement at House of Mercy.

Why it matters: The petition involves an aggravated murder conviction in which the petitioner was a law enforcement officer, a fact prosecutors and victim family members said makes the case particularly serious. The board’s recommendation moves the petition to the governor for final action, but does not itself alter the sentence.

Prosecutor Christina Miyamasu told the board the office opposed commutation, arguing the offense — aggravated murder combined with an intent to conceal another crime — remains one of the most serious under state law and that the facts warranted a life-without-parole sentence. She said the office ‘‘would not support commutation here.’’

Members for commutation pointed to Bachmeier’s advanced age, health concerns and three decades of incarceration and emphasized documented treatment for PTSD and a release plan. Advocate Anthony Powers, who worked with the petitioner, described childhood trauma and ‘‘compound PTSD’’ and said he believed Bachmeier was no longer a threat. Powers urged the board to consider the human and medical context behind the offense.

Victim family testimony was starkly opposed to release. James Wren’s brother told the board, ‘‘This police officer needs to be locked up... He owes my brother his life.’’ The family argued the gravity of betrayal — a sworn officer killing a person who called for help — and the subsequent cover-up weigh decisively against commutation.

Board member deliberations focused on reconciling those competing considerations. Board Member Kazi Joshua moved to recommend commutation; Board Member Aileen Flower seconded. After debate, the board voted 3–2 to recommend commutation to the governor. Chair Raymond Delos Reyes reminded attendees that the recommendation is advisory and that the governor will make the final decision.

Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the governor for review. The board’s file includes medical and classification records, the petitioner’s release plan and victim statements; the governor’s office will determine whether to follow the board’s recommendation.