President Joe Biden has commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, including Kaboni Savage, a notorious Philadelphia drug kingpin convicted of killing 12 people. Savage will now serve life in prison without parole.

Savage’s crimes cast a long shadow over Philadelphia. His conviction in 2013 stemmed from a reign of terror during which he targeted rivals, witnesses, and even strangers to maintain control over his North Philadelphia drug empire.

Among his most heinous acts was the 2004 arson that claimed the lives of six people, including four children. The firebombing, carried out at Savage's behest, targeted the family home of an informant. Federal prosecutors described it as a calculated act of intimidation.

Savage's trial was one of the longest in Philadelphia's history, culminating in a conviction for 12 murders and a record 13 death sentences. Despite the jury’s recommendations, the Biden administration’s decision to reclassify his sentence has reignited debates over the death penalty.

This action is part of Biden’s broader push to curtail the use of capital punishment, aligning with his long-standing opposition to the death penalty. The president's decision leaves only three people on federal death row: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber; Robert Bowers, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter; and Dylann Roof, convicted in the Charleston church shooting.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that Savage's crimes were so egregious that the death penalty was warranted. Others praise the move, citing concerns about the fairness and cost of capital punishment.

Biden’s commutations mark a significant shift in federal policy. Former President Donald Trump resumed federal executions during his term, overseeing 13 in his final six months in office. In contrast, Biden has sought alternatives to the death penalty, including life sentences without parole.

The decision ensures Savage will never leave prison but allows him to avoid the ultimate punishment. For the families of his victims, the news may bring a mix of relief and frustration. As one North Philadelphia resident noted, "It’s hard to find closure when the justice system keeps changing."

Biden's commutation sends a clear message about the administration's stance on capital punishment while ensuring Savage remains behind bars for life.