Aaron Ford faces scrutiny over clemency bid for convicted killer

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is facing scrutiny following his decision to sponsor a clemency application for Norman Smith, a man convicted in the 2015 killing of Tinesha Adams. Adams was pregnant at the time of the incident, which occurred during a confrontation in a parking lot. Smith, who was serving a sentence of 10 to 39 years for voluntary manslaughter and armed robbery, had his commutation request placed on the agenda by Ford.

The Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners ultimately denied the request. Ford was absent from the hearing, which his campaign attributed to an out-of-state family medical emergency. Reports indicate that this was the only commutation request Ford sponsored throughout the year. Additionally, Ford faced questioning at a Las Vegas airport regarding the sponsorship, to which he declined to provide a detailed response before walking away.

While Ford’s office stated he did not guarantee a favorable vote for clemency, the sponsorship has drawn criticism, particularly as Ford is a Democratic nominee challenging Republican Governor Joe Lombardo.