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Alabama Sets Execution Date for Man in 1991 Auto Parts Store Killing
Charles 'Sonny' Burton was convicted as an accomplice in the shooting death of a customer, despite not being the triggerman.
Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:47am
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The state of Alabama has scheduled a March 12 execution date for Charles 'Sonny' Burton, 75, who was convicted as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery that resulted in the shooting death of a customer at an auto parts store, even though Burton did not pull the trigger. Burton's attorney and some of the victim's family members have urged the governor to grant clemency, arguing it would be unfair to execute Burton when the actual shooter received a lesser sentence.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing debates around the death penalty, particularly in cases where the defendant did not directly commit the murder. It also raises questions about sentencing disparities and the role of accomplice liability in capital cases.
The details
In August 1991, Burton was involved in a robbery at an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama, during which a customer named Doug Battle was fatally shot. Burton did not pull the trigger, but prosecutors depicted him as the ringleader and he was sentenced to death, while the actual shooter, Derrick DeBruce, was initially also sentenced to death but later had his sentence reduced to life in prison. Burton's attorney and some of the victim's family members have argued it would be unjust to execute Burton when the triggerman received a lesser punishment.
- The robbery and shooting occurred on August 16, 1991.
- Burton was convicted of capital murder in April 1992.
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey set the execution date for March 12, 2026.
The players
Charles 'Sonny' Burton
A 75-year-old man sentenced to death for his role as an accomplice in a 1991 robbery that resulted in a customer's death, even though he did not pull the trigger.
Doug Battle
The customer who was fatally shot during the 1991 robbery of an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama.
Derrick DeBruce
The man who actually fired the gun and killed Doug Battle during the 1991 robbery, initially sentenced to death but later had his sentence reduced to life in prison.
Kay Ivey
The Governor of Alabama who scheduled Charles 'Sonny' Burton's execution date for March 12, 2026.
Matt Schulz
The attorney representing Charles 'Sonny' Burton, who has urged the governor to grant clemency.
What they’re saying
“We are very disappointed that Governor Ivey has opted to set an execution date for Mr. Burton. But we hope and pray that she, like Oklahoma Governor Stitt did in November, still changes her mind and stops this unjust execution of a man who has never taken a life.”
— Matt Schulz, Burton's attorney
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Charles 'Sonny' Burton's execution to proceed as scheduled on March 12, 2026.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing debates around the death penalty, particularly in cases where the defendant did not directly commit the murder. It also raises questions about sentencing disparities and the role of accomplice liability in capital cases, as well as the potential for clemency in cases where the punishment may be viewed as disproportionate to the defendant's level of culpability.
