Richard Allen Davis Seeks to Overturn Death Sentence. Explained in Detail.

By Jammuna Last updated Apr 8, 2024 Share with new partner:

Attorneys for one of California’s most notorious convicted killers want his death sentence reviewed.

Richard Allen Davis Case Explained:

Richard Allen Davis was convicted in 1996 for murdering Polly Klaas, who was twelve years old. In 1993, Davis kidnapped her as she was having a sleepover party for two friends at her mother’s Petaluma house. Davis already has an extensive criminal record. His conviction prompted California’s three-strikes statute. Three decades later, Davis’ lawyers claim he is entitled to a full resentencing. Polly’s father, Marc Klaas, was in Santa Clara County Superior Court on Friday for the hearing.

Richard Allen Davis Seeks to Overturn Death Sentence:

“In 1996, when the trial concluded, I stepped in front of the cameras and said, ‘Finally, this was over,'” he said. “Yet here I am 30 years later; this guy has gotten every consideration under the law since he was arrested.” Criminal justice reforms have been implemented in recent years in response to overcrowding in California jails. State officials have been working to remove enhancements from minor sentences such as drug convictions. However, Davis’ lawyers want to take advantage of these recent improvements. One of the pieces of legislation at the center of this is SB 483, which State Senator Ben Allen presented.

Legal Analyst Steven Clark responded to the incident. “I think the court is going to look very carefully as to whether these guidelines actually apply to Mr. Davis and his death penalty verdict or whether they should only be used in other sentencing schemes,” the judge added. Clark said that this might be a precedent for future instances. While Davis was on death row, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a moratorium on the capital sentence. The next hearing is planned for May 31.