Los Angeles District Attorney Reinstates Death Penalty in Rare Cases

Nathan Hochman reverses predecessor George Gascón's ban, allowing prosecutors to seek capital punishment for the most egregious crimes, despite California's ongoing execution moratorium.

Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles District Attorney, officially lifted the ban on seeking the death penalty on March 25, 2025, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
The new policy permits prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in 'exceedingly rare cases' involving the most heinous crimes, such as multiple murders or the killing of law enforcement officers.
Defense attorneys will have expanded opportunities to present mitigating evidence to a Special Circumstances Committee before the death penalty is sought.
Critics, including public defenders and civil rights advocates, argue the policy is racially biased, ineffective as a deterrent, and a step backward for justice in Los Angeles County.
California's 2019 statewide moratorium on executions, imposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, remains in effect, preventing any immediate implementation of death sentences.

Los Angeles Times

Orange County Register