Governor Commutes Burton's Sentence, Seeks Fairness

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories, right here on Birmingham News today. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently commuted the death sentence of 75-year-old inmate Charles Sonny Burton to life in prison without parole. This came just before his scheduled execution. Burton had been convicted in the 1991 shooting death of dud battle during a robbery. The key detail is that Burton had already left the store when another man, Derek DeBruce, actually pulled the trigger on battle. DeBruce's own death sentence was later reduced to life without parole on appeal. Puppet pressure played a big role, with protesters gathering outside the governor's mansion and a petition carrying 67,000 signatures, urging mercy. The victim's daughter, Tori Battle, spoke out against the execution. Plus, six of eight surviving jurors from the trial did not oppose the change and three supported it. Ivey's decision flipped quickly. Her office had said as recently as Friday, there were no plans for clemency.

1:00After talks with battles family representative and the attorney general, she acted, stressing fairness and capital punishment. She supports the death penalty, having overseen 25 executions as governor, but insist it must be applied evenly. Now Burton will serve life like DeBruce, ensuring the trigger man and accomplice face the same outcome for their roles in the crime. This story is made possible by our sponsor. Headphones in the pillow, once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SOL-PILLO.com