Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that she has commuted the death sentence of Charles L. 'Sonny' Burton to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that she has commuted the death sentence of Charles L. 'Sonny' Burton to life in prison without the possibility of parole. As required by state law, Governor Ivey said she first contacted a representative of Battle’s family before making her decision.
She also notified the Alabama attorney general. “I firmly believe that the death penalty is just punishment for society’s most heinous offenders, as shown by the 25 executions I have presided over as governor. In order to ensure the continued viability of the death penalty, however, I also believe that a government’s most consequential action must be administered fairly and proportionately. “Doug Battle was brutally murdered by Derrick DeBruce while shopping in an auto parts store. But DeBruce was ultimately sentenced to life without parole. Charles Burton did not shoot the victim, did not direct the triggerman to shoot the victim and had already left the store by the time the shooting occurred. Yet Mr. Burton was set to be executed while DeBruce was allowed to live out his life in prison. “I cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton under such disparate circumstances. I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not. “To be clear, Mr. Burton will not be eligible for parole and will rightfully spend the remainder of his life behind bars for his role in the robbery that led to the murder of Doug Battle. He will now receive the same punishment as the triggerman. “The murder of Doug Battle was a senseless and tragic crime, and this decision does not diminish the profound loss felt by the Battle family. I pray that they may find peace and closure.”Charles “Sonny” Burton and several others robbed an AutoZone store in Talladega. During the robbery, customer Doug Battle was shot and killed by Derrick DeBruce. Burton did not fire the shot and had left the store before the shooting occurred.Derrick DeBruce’s death sentence was overturned on appeal, and he was resentenced to life without parole. Burton’s death sentence remained in place.Early March 2026 — Clemency Efforts Several jurors from Burton’s trial, along with members of the victim’s family, urged Governor Ivey to grant clemency, citing sentencing disparity between Burton and the shooter.Governor Kay Ivey commuted Burton’s death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, citing fairness and proportionality concerns because the triggerman received life without parole.Authorities discovered over 1,000 pounds of meth, worth around $25 million, hidden in a 62-year-old man's tractor trailer.Washington lawmakers debate millionaires tax overnight as session deadline nears Washington lawmakers worked into Tuesday morning after an overnight session in Olympia, still debating the so-called millionaires tax.TheAnacortes Police Department says a death investigation is in progress after the bodies of two people were found inside a home Tuesday morning.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alabama governor commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shotAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of a 75-year-old inmate who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed.
Read more »
Alabama governor spares death row inmate Charles 'Sonny” BurtonAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of a 75-year-old inmate who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed. Ivey on Tuesday reduced Charles “Sonny” Burton’s sentence to life in prison without possibility of parole.
Read more »
Alabama governor commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shotAnother man shot the victim when Charles “Sonny” Burton had left the building.
Read more »
Alabama governor commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shotAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of a 75-year-old inmate who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed.
Read more »
Governor Kay Ivey commutes death sentence of Charles BurtonMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Alabama governor commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shotToday's Video Headlines: 03/10/26
Read more »