A California judge, citing a new state law, overturned a prison inmate's murder conviction and ordered him released from custody on Friday.
Adnan Kahn is believed to be the first California inmate to benefit from the new law limiting murder convictions exclusively to actual killers. Previously, accomplices and others indirectly involved in a homicide could be convicted of murder.
Kahn, who had served 15 years at San Quentin prison, spoke to reporters shortly after walking out of the Martinez Detention Center in Contra Costa County.
“I’m still processing it right now, it doesn’t seem real so I’m waiting for someone to pinch me,” Kahn said.
In 2003 Kahn was convicted of murder and was sentenced to 25 to life in prison after being convicted of robbing a marijuana dealer who was stabbed to death by Khan's partner.
Supporters of the law SB 1437 that took effect Jan. 1 say as many as 800 inmates with murder convictions might be eligible for reduced sentences.
Former Gov. Jerry Brown last month reduced Khan's sentence to 15 years to life, making him eligible for an immediate parole hearing. Brown's commutation left Khan's murder conviction in place.
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The California Peace Officers Association denounced the new law.
“What is what determines for folks to participate in the future in these types of crimes,” said Shaun Rundle, member of the Peace Officers Association.
Judge Laurel Brady resentenced Khan on his robbery conviction to time served.
"If given the opportunity to re-enter society, I will live a life of service with the purpose of preventing and deterring crime and increasing public safety for our communities," Khan wrote in his commutation application.
