New California Murder Law Leads To Inmate's Early Release

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MARTINEZ (AP) - A Northern California judge, citing a new state law, has overturned a prison inmate's murder conviction and ordered him released from custody.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that Adnan Khan is believed to be the first California inmate to benefit from a new law limiting murder convictions exclusively to actual killers. Previously accomplices and others indirectly involved in a homicide could be convicted of murder.

Supporters of the law that took effect Jan. 1 say as many as 800 inmates with murder convictions may be eligible for reduced sentences.

Khan is scheduled for release later Friday after serving 15 years in prison. He was convicted of robbing a marijuana dealer who was stabbed to death by Khan's partner and was sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison.