Gov. Murphy pardons three women serving decades-long murder sentences in historic clemency decision

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday that three women serving lengthy prison sentences—Myrna Diaz, Dawn Jackson, and Denise Staples—were granted clemency and are expected to be released by Wednesday. The announcement marks a significant moment in the governor’s tenure, as he pledged to continue addressing cases of unjust incarceration over the next year.

“This is about the most momentous day I’ve had as governor,” Murphy said during the announcement. “We will have more days like this over the next 13 months. I promise you.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) played a key role in advocating for the women, who each served decades behind bars. Myrna Diaz, 60, spent 14 years of a 40-year sentence for charges including felony murder, robbery, and weapons offenses related to the 2006 death of Jose Cabrera in Newark. Dawn Jackson, 53, served 25 years of a 30-year sentence after killing her step-grandfather, who had sexually abused her for years. Denise Staples, 63, served 20 years of a 60-year sentence after a 2001 altercation in Bridgeton led to a fatal stabbing, for which she unsuccessfully claimed self-defense.

Jackson’s release from the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women allows her to reunite with her family just in time for the holidays. “This is a moment we’ve been fighting for,” said a representative from the ACLU, which helped represent all three women at various points during their legal battles.

Diaz and Staples are also expected to be freed from the Edna Mahan facility by Wednesday, closing chapters on cases that sparked debates over self-defense, disproportionate sentencing, and systemic inequities in the justice system.

The clemencies signal a renewed focus on criminal justice reform under Murphy’s administration, as advocates continue to highlight cases of incarcerated individuals whose sentences may warrant review.

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