Keystone Today

In a video posted by the GOP, Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman calls the District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner a “progressive champion of criminal justice reform.” Breitbart reports that a convicted killer released by Krasner in 2021 is now wanted for another murder. Fetterman has expressed his support for clemency, voting to free convicted murderers while serving on the Board of Pardons.

According to Breitbart, the Conviction Integrity Unit, set up and run by Krasner, commuted the murder sentence of Jahmir Harris who had served eight years in prison for shooting and killing 45-year-old Louis Porter in 2012. Breitbart reports Harris is now wanted for the murder of 50-year-old Charles Gosset, according to Philadelphia police.

Fox 29 Philadelphia reported that Harris turned himself in and is now in custody. When Harris was released, his attorney appealed to Krasner and the Conviction Integrity Unit claiming Harris’ rights had been violated. When Harris was set free, the victim’s wife told the Philadelphia Inquirer, "you're telling me my husband's murderer is able to walk the streets? Now what message are you sending to the city?" Krasner told Fox 29: "Wrongful convictions warrant correction by the criminal justice system because they undermine confidence in the system, and because the actual persons responsible for serious and violent crime are not held accountable. The facts alleged in the new arrest warrant for Harris have no bearing on the overturning of Harris’ 2012 conviction."

In 2021, Fetterman supported Krasner and the Conviction Integrity Unit when he tweeted, “@DA_LarryKrasner unwavering commitment to systemic criminal justice reform was resoundingly affirmed with a *true mandate.* His efforts have literally saved the innocent from dying in prison. His Conviction Integrity Unit model should be mandatory in all of PA’s 67 counties.” Fetterman also called the Conviction Integrity Unit a “beacon” for Pennsylvania.

Breitbart reports Fetterman’s opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz’s spokeswoman Brittany Yanick said, “John Fetterman praised Larry Krasner and his Conviction Integrity Unit, saying this type of organization is needed in every county in Pennsylvania. Now, this group and John Fetterman are responsible for releasing a convicted murderer who is wanted in yet another tragic murder.”

While serving as the chairman for the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, Fetterman allegedly voted to release more than 12 criminals who were charged with first-degree murder and serving life in prison sentences, the Washington Free Beacon reports. The Beacon reports on one example, where Fetterman was the only vote in favor to release Wayne Covington, convicted for shooting and killing an 18-year-old. Covington reportedly admitted guilt to avoid the death penalty.

According to the website Inmates for Fetterman, a video is posted where Fetterman says, “We could reduce our prison population by a third, and not make anyone less safe.” The website lists the convicted criminals who were released by Fetterman. According to Inmates for Fetterman, Fetterman “secured a pardon” for Dennis Horton who was convicted of robbery, assault and a fatal shooting. The website states, “the victims’ family pleaded to stop the release – but John Fetterman got it done!” Another released inmate is Wayne Covington, mentioned by the Washington Free Beacon, where Fetterman was the only one to vote to commute his release in June 2021.