News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 21, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke denies clemency for Dawud Malik

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today announced his decision to deny the clemency petition filed on behalf of Dawud H. Malik, who was sentenced in 1966 for the murder of two people, four robberies and one violent assault. The Clemency and Pardons Board recommended clemency on a 3-2 vote Dec. 13. The denial of Malik's petition is the first clemency request acted upon by Gov. Locke.


In issuing his decision, Locke said public safety and the concerns of the victims were critical factors in his determination to allow the case to remain closed. "While Mr. Malik has served 31 years of the original sentence, these were very serious, violent crimes," Locke said. "We must pay careful attention to the safety of the public and concerns of victims when issues of clemency are considered.


"After a close review of both the merits of the case and the judicial procedures followed, I have concluded that justice is being served," Locke added. "The violence of the crimes and the overall record make clear that a pardon is not appropriate in this case."


`Malik, 50, was convicted on two counts of murder, four counts of robbery and one assault. The petition for a pardon on the murder convictions was originally submitted to then-Gov. Mike Lowry. Malik's attorney requested a more definitive ruling from Gov. Locke after Lowry declined to act upon the clemency petition. Malik is eligible for parole on Feb. 19, 2011.


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