Clemency Denied for Tulare County Killer

Clemency has been denied for Richard Flowers, age 63, in the killing of a 78-year-old Tulare woman. In 1996, Flowers was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder with a special circumstance of burglary and robbery, but was recommended a sentence commutation in 2018 by the Board of Parole Hearings after Flowers petitioned for clemency from former Governor Jerry Brown. Governor Brown took no action on Flowers’ request or the Board’s recommendation before leavingoffice on January 7, 2019, effectively ending the clemency process.

In October of 2018, the Office of the District Attorney used social media to urge the community to contact the Governor regarding Flowers’ case.

“Not only did this office file its formal objection to Mr. Flowers’ potential release with the Governor, we appealed directly to the law-abiding, hard-working people of Tulare County. Their response to us and to Sacramento was crystal clear – this killer should notbe released back in to our community,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “The Governor acted wisely, and we appreciate him taking the people’s concerns into consideration.”

Flowers will remain in prison for life without the possibility of parole. He may file an application for clemency with new Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494