In a move that has sparked controversy and drawn criticism, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced on Friday that he would be granting clemency to 28 individuals, including David Carillo, a convicted first-degree murder inmate.

Carillo, who has earned multiple degrees while in prison and now teaches a university course, will be granted parole effective January 31.

Carillo was convicted in 1994 for his involvement in a crime that led to the tragic killing of another individual. While Carillo did not commit the actual homicide, he received a harsher sentence than the shooter, who was released on parole after serving just 25 years. Governor Polis highlighted this disparity in a letter explaining his decision to grant Carillo parole.

“During his time behind bars, Carillo has made efforts to better himself and pursue education. He has earned a GED, a bachelor's degree, and even a Master of Business Administration. Notably, Carillo has become the first imprisoned adjunct faculty member in the country, teaching an introduction to business course at Adams State University,” Governor Polis notes in his letter.

Also, in his letter to Carillo, Governor Polis commended him for his commitment to rehabilitation and highlighted his achievements as evidence that redemption is possible. The governor expressed his belief that every offender can make use of their time in the Department of Corrections to transform their lives.

However, Governor Polis' decision to grant clemency to a convicted murderer has raised concerns among critics. They argue that the seriousness of Carillo's crime should preclude him from being granted parole, especially considering the disparity in sentencing between him and the actual shooter. They question the message this sends to victims' families and worry about the potential risks associated with releasing a murderer back into society.

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Governor Polis has the authority to grant clemency under the state's constitution, and he has exercised that power in this case. However, the decision has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding criminal justice reform and the appropriate use of clemency.