Unique Role of the Governor
In a press conference on Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee emphasized the significance of clemency, stating that it is a powerful tool reserved specifically for the governor at the state level. He underscored that the decision to grant clemency is not taken lightly.
Pardon vs Commutation
Lee clarified the difference between a pardon and commutation. A pardon signifies forgiveness for an individual who has completed their prison sentence and is no longer incarcerated. On the other hand, commutation reduces the length of a sentence but allows the conviction to remain. Notably, the governor did not issue any exonerations, which would declare that the applicant did not commit the crime.
Nonbinding Recommendations and Victim Input
The governor revealed that he approved the 23 clemency applications in accordance with nonbinding recommendations from the state Board of Parole. Additionally, no victims voiced opposition to these actions.
One Commutation Granted
Among the thousands of applications reviewed, only Michelle Lockwood-Tipton of Sevier County received commutation. Tipton had been convicted of first-degree murder after her boyfriend, whom she married shortly after the crime, killed Pamela Hale, an employee at a motel in eastern Tennessee. Tipton had served 21 years of her sentence and was previously ineligible for parole until 2052. However, thanks to Lee’s intervention, she will now be eligible for parole. It is important to note that she will not be immediately released from prison.
“Shocked by the Killing”
Governor Lee noted that it was determined that Tipton was completely unaware of the impending murder and was shocked by the event. He also commended Tipton for her exceptional behavior during her time in incarceration, mentioning that she is currently working towards obtaining a Master’s degree in theology.
22 Pardons Issued
In addition to the commutation granted to Tipton, Governor Lee issued 22 pardons. The recipients of these pardons are: Amanda Vaughn of Perry County; Ann Marie Byrd of [unspecified county]; Brendan Sullivan of Blount County; Cheryl Douglas of Rutherford County; Chris Ann Hobson of Fayette County; Christopher Park of Davidson, Sumner, and Wilson counties; DeAndre Brown of Shelby County; Demetria Garner of Davidson County; Donnell Spraggins of Shelby County; Catrina Cabe of Hamilton County; Eddie Criswell of Madison County; Edward Guthrie of Bradley County; Jimmy Harris of Overton and Putnam counties; Joseph Claggett of Davidson County; Joshua Owens of Bradley County; Kamiko Michelle Paris of Hamilton County; Kevin Campbell of Hamilton County; Melissa Whitehead-Gregory of Tipton County; Rhonda Shelton of Davidson County; Robert Scales of Davidson County; Tara Woods of Hamilton County; and Tylor Trotter of Knox County.
