Ford did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment on why he sponsored Smith’s commutation.
Cannizzaro served eleven years as a prosecutor in the Clark County District Attorney’s office, including as a chief deputy in the office’s gang unit. Major law enforcement organizations in Nevada, including the Las Vegas Police Protective Association and the Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition, endorsed Cannizzaro.
The Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners denied the clemency bid, and Ford skipped the commutation hearing he planned to attend. When confronted about the sponsorship, Ford refused to tell Fox News why he would support the convicted killer’s commutation.
“Uhh, don’t know which one you’re talking about, but anyway—good to see you,” Ford said.
“Is there a reason why you’re pardoning him?” a reporter asked.
“Good to see you, take care,” Ford replied.
Under Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners rules, an inmate’s clemency application sits in a queue until one of the board’s nine members, which includes the attorney general, officially sponsors it. Ford’s sponsorship allowed Smith’s application to reach a full hearing and vote.
Smith’s application was the only commutation request Ford sponsored in 2026, according to Fox News.
Smith was free on bail in 2015 and faced 14 charges in connection with armed robbery attacks on Vegas Strip tourists, according to Fox News. He fatally shot Tineshea Adams, who was pregnant at the time, claiming self-defense. Court documents found that Smith was initially charged with murder, but was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter and three counts of armed robbery.
Lombardo criticized Ford’s record on criminal justice reform and public safety. His campaign received criticism for reusing 2018 footage of former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Protective Association President Dave Kallas endorsing him, although Kallas threw his support behind Lombardo in the current race.
Ford and Lombardo were neck-and-neck in the polls, with a RealClearPolling average finding Ford in the lead by 0.5 point. An Emerson survey from September found Ford leading 44% to 42%.
(DCNF)
