Alabama governor commutes death sentence of man who didn’t kill anyone
Alabama Governor Commutes Death Sentence of Man Who Didn’t Kill Anyone
Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey, has decided to reduce the death penalty for Charles “Sonny” Burton to life imprisonment without parole. This change comes after Burton was scheduled for execution earlier in the week. Ivey argued that his death sentence would be considered “unjust” given the circumstances of the crime.
A Crime Without Direct Action
In 1991, Burton was part of a group that robbed an AutoZone store in Talladega. The incident led to the death of a customer, Doug Battle. While Burton was present during the robbery, he did not fire the shot that killed Battle. The actual perpetrator, Derrick DeBruce, shot the victim from behind while inside the store.
“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 exited the store by the time the shooting occurred,” Ivey stated. “I cannot proceed with the execution of Mr. Burton under these unequal conditions. It would be unjust for one criminal to face the death penalty while the actual shooter was not.”
Disparity in Justice
Despite his admission of entering the store armed, Burton claimed he only stole cash from a safe and left to await his accomplices in a getaway car. The state acknowledged this in its response to Burton’s request for a stay of execution from the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the legal principle of felony murder allowed his death sentence, as it holds all participants in a felony responsible for deaths that occur during the crime.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall voiced his discontent, stating, “There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle’s blood on his hands.” He emphasized that Burton’s age should not affect his punishment, noting that he had delayed the proceedings through “endless frivolous appeals.” Marshall asserted that Burton’s case should have been resolved by the jury’s verdict, as it was upheld by multiple judges.
Burton would have been the ninth individual executed using nitrogen gas, a method introduced in Alabama in 2024. His case has drawn support from various groups, including the victim’s daughter, who urged the governor for clemency. The decision reflects growing calls for mercy in the state’s capital punishment system.
Abigail Brooks is a producer for NBC News. Dan Slepian is an award-winning investigative producer and a veteran of “Dateline: NBC.” Jackie Montalvo is a producer-editor for NBC News.