House Democrat blasted after early release law freed inmates later charged with murder

A COVID-era prison release law championed by Rep. Nellie Pou, D-N.J., is drawing renewed scrutiny after several inmates freed early under the program were later charged with murder. Beginning in November 2020, more than 7,000 inmates received early release via “public health emergency credits.” Under the law, state prisoners with less than a year remaining and no convictions for murder or sexual assault—or as sex offenders—could qualify, while other violent crimes could get shortened sentences of up to eight months. Two released inmates were later convicted or pleaded guilty in separate homicide cases, while a third remains in custody awaiting trial. Critics say the policy’s impact on public safety is now clear.