Woman Who Was Sentenced To Life For Killing Man Who Trafficked Her As Teen Has Been Pardoned

A woman who killed the man who trafficked her has been pardoned.

Sara Kruzan was just 16 years old when she sentenced to life behind bars after she murdered George Gilbert Howard back in 1995.

Following her conviction, Kruzan accused Howard of sexually abusing and trafficking her when she was a child.

In 2010, the then governor Arnold Schwarzenegger commuted her sentence to 25 years to life. Three years later, Kruzan was re-sentenced to five years to life for second-degree murder - plus a four-year firearm enhancement, bringing it to 19 years to life. She was then released after serving 18 years in prison.

However, the activist has now been given a full pardon by California governor Gavin Newsom.

The pardon reads: "When Ms. Kruzan was 16 years old, she fatally shot the man who had abused her and trafficked her for sex.

"Ms. Kruzan has submitted to this office a formal application for executive clemency in the form of a gubernatorial pardon.

Sara Kruzan

"She has provided evidence that she is living an upright life and has demonstrated her fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities.

"Ms. Kruzan committed a crime that took the life of the victim. Since then, Ms. Kruzan has transformed her life and dedicated herself to community service.

"This act of clemency for Ms. Kruzan does not minimize or· forgive her conduct or the harm it caused. It does recognize the work she has done since to transform herself.

"By the laws of this state it is proper that I, as Governor of the State of California, give testimony that, by completion of her sentence and good conduct in the community, Ms. Kruzan merits this pardon. "

Kruzan was one of 17 pardons confirmed by governor Newsom this week, along with 15 commutations and one medical reprieve.

A press release from the governor's office said it's hoped the decision may provide some of those named with opportunities they otherwise would not have had due to their convictions.

It read: "The California Constitution gives the Governor the authority to grant executive clemency in the form of a pardon, commutation, or reprieve.

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"The Governor regards clemency as an important part of the criminal justice system that can incentivize accountability and rehabilitation, increase public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful reentry, correct unjust results in the legal system, and address the health needs of incarcerated people with high medical risks.

"These clemency grants recognize the applicants’ subsequent efforts in self-development or the existence of a medical exigency. They do not forgive or minimize the harm caused.

"A pardon may remove counterproductive barriers to employment and public service, restore civic rights and responsibilities, and prevent unjust collateral consequences of conviction, such as deportation and permanent family separation.

"A pardon does not expunge or erase a conviction."

Other also given clemency included Steve Kirkendoll, who was sentenced to three concurrent terms of five years to life fro robbery in 1977/78, and Henry Pachnowski, 82, who was born to Polish parents imprisoned in Nazi labor camps during the Second World War.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivor’s Trust for free on 08088 010 818, or through their website thesurvivorstrust.org