In a controversial move that has drawn significant backlash, President Joe Biden has commuted the death sentences of 37 out of 40 federal inmates, igniting anger among victims' families and criticism from political figures.

Biden's clemency decision includes individuals convicted of severe crimes, leaving only three on death row and raising issues of perceived selective justice, as the Daily Wire reports.

One of the commuted sentences is that of Marvin Gabrion, who was convicted for the 1997 rape, kidnapping, and murder of Rachel Timmerman.

Rachel's body was found in Michigan's Manistee National Forest, bound and with her eyes and mouth taped shut. Her daughter, 11-month-old Shannon, remains missing.

Victims' Families React to Commutations

Gabrion, sentenced to death in 2002, has spent over two decades in appeals. The news of his sentence being commuted was met with dismay by Velda Robinson, a voice for the victims’ families.

"Those that don’t believe in the death penalty have never encountered someone so vile," Robinson said, expressing her anger at the decision.

Another high-profile case is that of Brandon Council, convicted for the cold-blooded murders of Donna Major and Katie Skeen during an armed robbery at Crescom Bank in South Carolina on August 21, 2017. President Biden's commutation of Council’s death sentence has similarly sparked outrage among the victims’ relatives.

Anger Over Brandon Council's Case

Heather, daughter of Major, expressed her emotions, saying she felt “anger” upon hearing the news. Her anger was palpable as she described receiving the information during a family gathering, emphasizing her frustration at the lack of victim consultation in Biden's decision.

Danny, Major’s husband, criticized the idea of mercy shown towards Council. "She was shown no mercy at all," he remarked, detailing the chilling events during which his wife and her coworker were killed. His outrage is compounded by the fact that the commutations are seen by some as politically motivated.

Political Criticism of Commutation Decisions

The decision has not only affected families but has also drawn political fire. Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton accused President Biden and his party of siding with "depraved criminals" over victims, challenging the administration on its decision to leave certain individuals, including Robert Bowers, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Dylann Roof, on death row.

Cotton argued that Biden’s actions demonstrate a lack of consistent philosophy regarding the death penalty, pointing out that “Democrats can't defend Biden’s decision” as a principled stance against executions.

Debate Over Selective Justice

The decision to commute selected sentences raises questions about the criteria for this decision. Families of victims, such as Velda Robinson, question the rationale behind choosing which sentences to commute. “How does Biden justify whose crime is worse?" Robinson asked, highlighting a perceived undermining of the judicial decisions made during trials.

These cases underscore the emotional turmoil and complex debates surrounding capital punishment in the United States. For many, the President’s actions have reopened wounds and highlighted a national divide on the issue.

Public Order and Justice Concerns

The intersection of justice and executive decision-making is a sensitive topic, with many questioning how fair the application of such clemency truly is. Robinson emphasized the necessity for certainty in punishment for heinous crimes, arguing that “people need to know that when you do something so heinous, you ain’t going to get away with it.”

Biden’s decision, influenced by various pressures including input from religious figures like the Pope, has led to further debates on autonomy and influence on American law and policy. For families like those of Rachel Timmerman and Donna Major, the commutation decision appears as a deep personal affront.

More Than Political Consequences

Critics like Danny express disbelief, suggesting the decision reflects Biden's personal convictions -- or lack thereof -- rather than a carefully weighed decision of justice. While the President insists on a broader policy of reducing the number of executions, the anger of families reflects a concern that justice has not been served in their cases.

As discussions continue and the nation grapples with the implications of this commutation, the tension between justice for victims and the re-evaluation of capital punishment remains central. The significant emotional and social weight of these cases and their outcomes will likely be debated for years to come.

In conclusion, President Biden's commutation decision has sparked a fiery debate that encompasses emotional, judicial, and political dimensions, raising potent questions about justice and the future of capital punishment in America.