Annapolis:
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has officially commuted the death sentences of four inmates who had been sentenced to die before the state banned capital punishment in 2013.
Mr O'Malley officially signed executive orders commuting their sentences on Tuesday, one day before he leaves office.
The Democratic Governor signed the commutations for Vernon Evans, Anthony Grandison, Jody Lee Miles and Heath Burch.
In each of the four orders, Mr O'Malley wrote that in granting the commutation he intends each inmate to "serve the remainder of his natural life in prison."
Mr O'Malley had announced his plan to commute the sentences last month.
The General Assembly abolished the death penalty two years ago, leaving five inmates on death row. One of them, John Booth-El, died in prison last year.
Mr O'Malley officially signed executive orders commuting their sentences on Tuesday, one day before he leaves office.
The Democratic Governor signed the commutations for Vernon Evans, Anthony Grandison, Jody Lee Miles and Heath Burch.
In each of the four orders, Mr O'Malley wrote that in granting the commutation he intends each inmate to "serve the remainder of his natural life in prison."
Mr O'Malley had announced his plan to commute the sentences last month.
The General Assembly abolished the death penalty two years ago, leaving five inmates on death row. One of them, John Booth-El, died in prison last year.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
