Board of Pardons and Parole Outlines Commutation Process for Taberon Honie’s Scheduled Execution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2024 – SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole announces the formal procedures for the commutation petition and subsequent process for death-row inmate Taberon Honie, whose execution is scheduled for Aug. 8, 2024. “We want to outline the steps and timeline in considering a petition for commutation,” said Jennifer Yim, Administrative Director at the Board. “The process involves up to five steps: filing the petition, reviewing the petition, granting or denying a hearing, conducting a hearing, and making the decision to grant or deny the commutation petition.” According to Utah statute, after a judge issues a death warrant in a death penalty case, the petitioner has seven days to file a commutation petition to the Board of Pardons and Parole  [Utah Code R671-312B-3(1)]. In Mr. Honie’s case, that is June 18, 2024. The State has seven days to respond from date of service [Utah Code R671-312B-3(4)]. “The Board will then review the petition and response to determine whether a substantial issue exists that has not been addressed in the judicial process,” said Yim. “The Board shall not consider legal or constitutional issues that a) have been reviewed by the courts; b) should have been raised during the judicial process; or c) present new issues that are subject to judicial review (Utah Code 77-27-5.5). Once the Board has concluded their review of the petition, they will vote to either conduct a hearing or deny the commutation petition without a hearing. This decision will be announced by the Board and posted on its website: bop.utah.gov. “If a hearing is granted, the petitioner may present testimony and provide supporting arguments concerning the issues raised in a given petition,” she said. “The State may also present testimony and provide argument against the petition. Victims will also be given an opportunity to be heard at the hearing. “The hearing will occur before the full Board at the Utah State Correction Facility in Salt Lake City. Notice of the hearing will be posted on bop.utah.gov as well as the State of Utah Public Meeting and Notice website.” After the hearing concludes, the Board will determine by majority decision whether to grant or deny the commutation petition. The decision will be announced by the Board and posted on its website: bop.utah.gov. The Board will take the time it needs to reach a decision and there is no required timeline for this decision.  By law, the jurisdiction of the petitioner will then be fully transferred to Utah Department of Corrections from the Board. For more information about the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, visit bop.utah.gov. # # # About The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is an independent body established by the Utah Constitution. The Board plays a critical role in the State’s criminal justice administration, making fair and informed decisions on parole-related matters, thereby contributing to public safety and offender rehabilitation. Media Contact Tim Brown [email protected] Candid Communications Download press release