Alabama Schedules Execution for 1991 Robbery Accomplice
Alabama has scheduled the execution of Charles "Sonny" Burton, a 75-year-old man, for March 12, 2026. The execution will be carried out using nitrogen gas, a method that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Burton was convicted as an accomplice in the fatal shooting of Doug Battle during a robbery in 1991, a crime for which he did not personally fire the weapon or was present at the scene.
Controversy Over Sentencing Disparity
The case has sparked controversy due to the disparity in sentences between Burton and the actual triggerman. Derrick DeBruce, who fired the fatal shot, initially received a death sentence, but it was later reduced to life imprisonment. DeBruce subsequently died in prison, leaving Burton facing execution despite his lesser direct involvement. This discrepancy has led to calls for clemency from various quarters, including one of the victim's children and some jurors from the original trial.
Governor Ivey's Decision and Legal Opposition
Governor Kay Ivey set the execution date, overriding appeals for mercy. Burton's attorney expressed disappointment, holding out hope that Governor Ivey might still intervene before the scheduled date. In contrast, the Alabama Attorney General's office has firmly opposed clemency, asserting that Burton's conviction and death sentence have been upheld at every judicial level, reinforcing the state's commitment to the ruling.
The use of nitrogen gas for executions adds another layer of debate to this case, as it represents a relatively new method in capital punishment. This execution, if carried out, will mark a significant moment in Alabama's legal history, highlighting ongoing discussions about justice, sentencing equity, and the ethics of execution methods in the United States.
