MADISON — Representative Jim Piwowarczyk joined fellow Republican legislators in sending a letter to Governor Tony Evers requesting the immediate suspension of Wisconsin’s commutation process, citing serious concerns about victim notification failures, public safety, and the emotional harm being inflicted on victims’ families.
Republican lawmakers raised concerns about offenders convicted of heinous homicides, including those responsible for killing law enforcement officers. Being considered for commutation, including Ted Oswald, convicted in the murder of Waukesha Police Captain James Lutz, and 28 convicted killers from Milwaukee County, is an example of why stronger safeguards are necessary.
The legislators said the process created by Governor Evers in April fails to uphold the protections guaranteed under Marsy’s Law and places additional burdens on already short-staffed District Attorneys’ offices. Families of victims are reportedly learning about commutation applications through social media, forcing them to relive traumatic events with little warning or support.
“Victims and their loved ones deserve certainty, transparency, and respect from our justice system,” said Rep. Piwowarczyk. “Instead, families are being blindsided by commutation applications through social media posts and news reports. That is unacceptable. Wisconsin’s commutation process must put victims first, not reopen emotional wounds without proper notification or meaningful input.”
“For decades, Wisconsin maintained a commonsense approach that respected the finality of sentencing decisions and the voices of victims,” Rep. Piwowarczyk added. “There can be no justification for commuting the sentences of convicted murderers who shattered families and communities. Any commutation process must exclude homicide offenders and ensure victims have a real voice before any action is taken.”
In their letter, Republican legislators urged Governor Evers to implement several reforms before any further commutations are considered:
– Creating a robust public notification system and online tracking list for commutation applications
– Extending victim notification periods to at least 90 days
– Guaranteeing hearings that allow victims and families to be heard directly
– Requiring full notification to District Attorneys and sentencing judges
– Removing all homicide offenders from eligibility for commutation consideration
The lawmakers emphasized that while mercy can play a role in the justice system, it should never come at the expense of victims’ sense of security, closure, and confidence in the rule of law.
