13 people serving life in prison freed by Gov. Tom Wolf

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Thirteen people are set to breathe fresh air for the first time in years after having their sentences commuted by Gov. Tom Wolf.

According to a news release, commuting a life sentence means a reduction of the sentence to life on parole.

The 13 people to be released include:

• George W. Burkhardt, 83, Lancaster, served 30 years for Murder 2, recommended in Dec. 2020
• Daniel Cummings, 75, Philadelphia, served 38 years for Murder 1, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Eric I. Eisen, 52, Allegheny, served 26 years for Murder 2, recommended in Dec. 2020
• Reid Evans, 57, Philadelphia, served 39 years for Murder 2, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Wyatt Evans, 58, Philadelphia, served 39 years for Murder 2, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Charlie J. Goldblum, 71, Allegheny, served 42 years for Murder 1, recommended in Sept. 2019
• Charles M. Haas, 72, Philadelphia, served 41 years for Murder 2, recommended in Dec. 2020
• Dennis Horton, 51, Philadelphia, served 27 years for Murder 2, recommended in Dec. 2020
• Lee A. Horton, 55, Philadelphia, served 27 years from Murder 2, recommended in Dec. 2020
• Avis Lee, 59, Allegheny, served 40 years for Murder 2, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Francisco Mojita, Sr.,58, Philadelphia, served 28 years for Murder 2, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Mildred Strickland, 75, Philadelphia, served 31 years for Murder 1, recommended in Sept. 2020
• Gregory Stover, 55, Philadelphia, served 32 years for Murder 1, recommended in Sept. 2020

This is different than issuing a pardon. The governor’s office said a pardon is often the first step for someone to petition their charging counties to erase their criminal record. That is not automatically granted with a pardon in Pennsylvania.

Lt. Gov. Fetterman chairs the five-person board, which hears applications for pardons and commutations. The board must vote unanimously on applications for commutations of life sentences.

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