Clemency Board Recommends Commutation for Spokane Man Convicted in 1996 Murder

The final decision on whether to commute the sentence now rests with the governor.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:25pm

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The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board has voted 3-1 to recommend commutation for Travis R. Comeslast, who was convicted in a 1996 murder during a home robbery in Spokane. Comeslast has served nearly 30 years in prison for the killing of Christopher Gongyin. The board's recommendation now goes to the governor for a final decision on whether to commute Comeslast's sentence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around criminal justice reform, sentencing guidelines, and the role of clemency boards in reconsidering lengthy prison terms, especially for crimes committed when the offender was young. The victim's family has expressed opposition to the commutation, underscoring the complex emotions involved in these decisions.

The details

According to court records, in June 1996 Comeslast and another man went to Gongyin's home while he was sleeping with his wife and infant child. Comeslast woke Gongyin and shot him in the head at close range, with the gunshot reportedly burning the infant's leg. Comeslast then forced Gongyin's wife out of bed with the child and demanded money and drugs. Comeslast was convicted in 1997 of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery and originally sentenced to 613 months (about 51 years) in prison, later reduced to 553 months (about 46 years) on appeal.

  • In June 1996, the crime occurred.
  • In September 1997, Comeslast was convicted.
  • In March 2026, the Clemency and Pardons Board voted 3-1 to recommend commutation.

The players

Travis R. Comeslast

A 50-year-old Spokane man convicted in a 1996 murder during a home robbery, who has served nearly 30 years in prison.

Christopher Gongyin

The victim who was killed in the 1996 home robbery.

Barbara Gongyin

The victim's widow who has opposed the clemency request, stating the repeated proceedings force the family to revisit the trauma.

Preston McCollam

The Spokane County Prosecutor who argued the original sentence should remain in place due to the crime's severity and impact on victims.

Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board

The board that voted 3-1 to recommend commutation of Comeslast's sentence, sending the final decision to the governor.

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What’s next

The final decision on whether to commute Comeslast's sentence now rests with the governor.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between criminal justice reform, victims' rights, and the role of clemency boards in reconsidering lengthy sentences, especially for crimes committed when the offender was young. The governor's final decision will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for future commutation cases.