Source: Fox News
Summary
Nevada Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford backed a clemency bid for Norman Smith, a convicted killer who murdered a pregnant woman while out on bail for armed robberies. Smith was serving time for voluntary manslaughter and armed robbery. Ford, who is running for governor, skipped the clemency hearing and avoided questions about his support. The Nevada Board of Pardons denied the request. Ford’s campaign cited a family medical emergency but did not explain why he sponsored Smith’s case. Critics argue Ford’s silence raises concerns about his judgment.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Ford walks away from questions about a killer’s clemency bid.
He sponsors a case, then refuses to explain it.
He skips the hearing, then avoids the reporter.
His silence echoes the same pattern as others in power.
Author: Evan Null
Norman Smith’s Case
Norman Smith was out on bail for armed robbery attacks on Vegas tourists when he killed a pregnant woman in a convenience store parking lot. He was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter and three counts of armed robbery. Smith is serving a 10-to-39-year sentence.
Ford’s Role
Aaron Ford, Nevada’s Democratic Attorney General, sponsored Smith’s clemency application at a Sept. 16 Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners meeting. The board denied the request, but Ford did not attend the hearing and refused to explain his support when questioned.
Campaign Context
Ford is running for governor against Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. Lombardo has criticized Ford’s record on public safety and criminal justice reform. Ford’s campaign said he missed the hearing due to a family medical emergency but did not clarify why he chose to sponsor Smith’s case.
Public Reaction
A conservative tracker confronted Ford at a Las Vegas airport about his sponsorship of Smith’s clemency bid. Ford responded with evasiveness, walking away before answering. Republican strategist Matt Gorman criticized Ford’s refusal to explain his actions.
Procedural Details
In Nevada, an inmate’s clemency application is placed in a queue until a board member, such as the attorney general, sponsors it. By doing so, Ford elevated Smith’s case to the official agenda for a full hearing and vote. Smith’s application was the only one sponsored by Ford in 2026.
