PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey granted clemency on Wednesday to Doyle Williams, an inmate who has spent 50 years in prison. Thanks to the efforts of the Arizona Justice Project, Williams’ sentence for murder was reduced from “indeterminate life” to 45 years to life.
The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency recommended commutation to Mr. Williams in July 2019. The recommendation was based on his blemish free prison record, his support system, and the number of years he has served.
“In 1969, Doyle and another man were charged with murder. Doyle was convicted and given an indeterminate life sentence. Doyle’s co-defendant pled guilty, was sentenced to ten years, and was released after serving three years. In 1999, just one year after the Arizona Justice Project was founded, Doyle contacted the Project for help with his case. Project lawyers and students worked to track down evidence and case records. Due to the age of the case, documents and evidence could no longer be found. Because Doyle’s appeals had been exhausted, it became clear that his only avenue for release would be through executive clemency – an act of mercy by the Governor,” according to the Arizona Justice Project.