CONCORD, NH - On May 29, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte released the following statement on the pardon request from Pamela Smart, who is currently serving a life sentence for orchestrating the murder of her husband:

“People who commit violent crimes must be held accountable to the law. I take very seriously the action of granting a pardon hearing and believe this process should only be used in exceptional circumstances. Having reviewed this case, I have decided it is not deserving of a hearing before the Executive Council.”