Death Penalty and Clemency

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey commuted the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, to life without parole days before his scheduled execution by nitrogen gas for his role in a 1991 AutoZone robbery in which accomplice Derrick DeBruce — who fired the fatal shot while Burton was outside the store — has had his sentence reduced to life. Ivey said executing Burton would be unjust and disproportionate given the shooter’s commutation, a move urged by jurors and family members; Burton apologized to the victim’s family, called the reprieve an answered prayer, and it is only Ivey’s second commutation after overseeing 25 executions.