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Brown Releasing Murderers At Higher Rate Than Other Governors

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown is allowing murderers to be paroled from California prisons at a far greater pace than his two immediate predecessors.

The decisions, contained in a report released this week, drew criticism Wednesday from victims' rights group.

After a little more than one year in office, the Democratic governor has allowed about 80 percent of the decisions by the state Board of Parole Hearings to free convicted killers.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, allowed about a quarter of the recommended paroles to stand, while former Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, allowed just 2 percent.

A victims' group says Brown has allowed 331 murderers back on the street. A spokesman for the governor says he considers public safety, parole board recommendations and recent legal decisions in making his decisions.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press)

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