Alabama Man Faces Execution Despite Not Pulling Trigger

Charles 'Sonny' Burton, 75, is set to be executed for his role as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery where a customer was killed, even though he did not shoot the victim.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Charles 'Sonny' Burton, 75, is facing execution in Alabama for his role as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery at an auto parts store where a customer, Doug Battle, was killed. While Burton was present during the robbery, he did not actually shoot or kill Battle. The other man involved, Derrick DeBruce, was the one who shot and killed Battle, but he was later resentenced to life in prison, leaving Burton as the only person still facing execution despite not being the shooter.

Why it matters

This case raises fundamental questions about the fairness of the death penalty, as Burton did not directly kill anyone and is facing execution while the actual shooter received a lesser sentence. The victim's daughter and multiple jurors from Burton's trial are now urging the governor to grant him clemency, arguing the case does not fit the typical mold of death penalty cases.

The details

During the 1991 robbery at an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama, Burton, who was 40 at the time, said he would 'take care of' any trouble in the store. DeBruce yelled for everyone to get down, and Burton, also armed with a gun, forced the manager to the back to open the safe. As the robbery was ending, victim Doug Battle, a 34-year-old Army veteran and father of four, entered the store, got on the floor, and exchanged words with DeBruce. A 16-year-old witness testified that Burton and others had left the store when DeBruce shot Battle in the back. Afterward, Burton asked DeBruce in the getaway car why he had shot the man.

  • The shooting occurred on August 16, 1991 during the robbery.
  • Burton was convicted and sentenced to death in April 1992.

The players

Charles 'Sonny' Burton

A 75-year-old man facing execution in Alabama for his role as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery where a customer was killed, even though he did not pull the trigger.

Derrick DeBruce

The man who actually shot and killed the customer, Doug Battle, during the 1991 robbery. DeBruce was later resentenced to life in prison.

Doug Battle

A 34-year-old Army veteran and father of four who was killed by Derrick DeBruce during the 1991 robbery.

Tori Battle

The daughter of victim Doug Battle, who is urging the governor to grant clemency for Charles 'Sonny' Burton.

Priscilla Townsend

One of the jurors from Burton's 1992 trial who is now requesting clemency, saying she never would have recommended a death sentence if the shooter was getting a lesser sentence.

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What they’re saying

“We hope and pray that Governor Ivey recognizes that this case slipped through the cracks. It would be wrong to execute a man who did not even see the shooting take place, after the state agreed to resentence the shooter to life without parole, and this is simply not the kind of case most people think of when they envision the death penalty being carried out.”

— Matt Schulz, Burton's attorney

“My father Doug Battle was many things. He was strong, but he valued peace. He did not believe in revenge.”

— Tori Battle, Victim's daughter

“It's absolutely not fair. You don't execute someone who did not pull the trigger.”

— Priscilla Townsend, Juror from Burton's 1992 trial

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Charles 'Sonny' Burton out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and potential unfairness of the death penalty, as it appears Burton is facing execution despite not being the direct perpetrator of the crime. It raises questions about accomplice liability, sentencing disparities, and whether the death penalty should be applied in cases where the defendant did not actually kill the victim.