California governor commutes 9 lengthy prison sentences

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has commuted the lengthy prison sentences of nine inmates serving time for violent crimes, including a former prostitute convicted with her abusive pimp of first-degree murder.

She and five other convicted killers were among those who received commutations Friday.

Seven of the nine inmates must still persuade state parole authorities they are fit for release.

Brown has granted 18 applications to shorten prison sentences since he returned to office in January 2011.

The governor's office says inmates who display exemplary behavior can ask the governor to reduce their prison sentences.

Those receiving commutations Friday:

— Florence Anderson.