Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre

Sara Kruzan was just two months past her 16th birthday when she shot and killed George Howard. Howard had raped Sara and then turned her onto the street as a prostitute when she was just 13. Sara's life had already been plagued with physical, sexual and emotional abuse from others.
33 year old Sara Kruzan has recently been granted clemency by outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger when he reduced her life sentence without parole to 25 years with the possibility of parole. She has spent over 16 years in prison. The exact amount of time before she's eligible for parole is not yet known. Governor Schwarzenegger recognized that Sara's sentence was excessive because of her youth and the significant abuse she endured. 

Sara acknowledged remorse in her clemency. "I feel a deep sorrow for taking [George Howards's] life. It is daily I experience a level of grief and sadness in my heart and in my thoughts." Her support came about through the work of the National Centre for Youth Law. Further info from
Patricia Arthur, National Center for Youth Law

+1 206-409-0027, parthur@youthlaw.org