Alabama Man Faces Execution Despite Not Pulling Trigger in Auto Store Killing

Charles 'Sonny' Burton, 75, is set to be executed for his role as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery where a customer was killed, despite not being the shooter.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:07pm

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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. Burton did not shoot or kill Battle, but was outside the store during the incident. The actual shooter, Derrick DeBruce, was later resentenced to life in prison, leaving Burton as the only person facing execution despite not being the one who pulled the trigger.

Why it matters

This case raises fundamental questions about the fairness of the death penalty, as Burton did not directly kill anyone and the actual shooter received a lesser sentence. It also highlights the broader debate around accomplice liability and whether the death penalty should be applied to those who did not directly cause a death.

The details

During the 1991 robbery, Burton said if anyone caused trouble in the store he would 'take care of it.' DeBruce shot and killed Battle, a 34-year-old Army veteran and father of four, as he entered the store. Burton was outside the store at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors argued Burton was 'just as guilty as Derrick DeBruce' because he was there to aid and assist him, but Burton's attorneys said there was only evidence he intended to participate in a robbery, not to harm anyone.

  • The shooting occurred on August 16, 1991 during a robbery at an AutoZone in Talladega.
  • Burton was convicted of capital murder 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, despite not being the shooter.

Derrick DeBruce

The man who 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 DeBruce during the 1991 robbery.

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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, Daughter of victim Doug Battle

“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 complex issues surrounding the death penalty, particularly when it comes to accomplice liability and whether it is just to execute someone who did not directly cause a death. It raises questions about the fairness of the justice system and whether the punishment fits the crime.