Ivey commutes Burton death sentence over unequal punishment
Governor Kay Ivey commuted Charles “Sonny” Burton’s death sentence after concluding executing him while the shooter lives would be unjust.
Alabama death penalty
US Supreme Court hears Alabama’s appeal of death penalty stay
Justices debated whether states must consider an individual's highest IQ score as the sole metric for determining intellectual disability and death penalty eligibility.
Anti-death penalty coalition talks surge in executions, dwindling public support
The new US Campaign to End the Death Penalty argued the surge in executions, especially in the South, was disconnected from current public opinion.
Alabama AG pushes for end to ban on death penalty for child rape
Marshall wants to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's 2008 ruling that disallowed the death penalty for child sexual abuse convictions.
Alabama carries out fourth execution of 2025, despite wishes of victim’s son
One of the victim’s sons had sent a letter to Gov. Kay Ivey, explaining the execution would “weigh heavily on me.”
Advocates stress fairness in halted execution of mentally ill Alabama inmate Roberts
Advocates urge integrity in psychiatric evaluations after Alabama halts David Lee Roberts’ execution, citing severe mental illness concerns.
August 21, 2025