Alabama Governor Commutes Death Sentence of Inmate

Inmate's accomplice fired fatal shot during robbery

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of 75-year-old inmate Charles 'Sonny' Burton, who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed during a 1991 robbery. The shooter's death sentence was later reduced on appeal to life imprisonment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the death penalty, particularly when there are disparities in sentencing between accomplices in a crime. It raises questions about the fairness and consistency of capital punishment.

The details

Burton was sentenced to death for the shooting death of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery, even though another man actually shot Battle when Burton had left the building. The governor stated that she could not 'proceed in good conscience' with Burton's execution 'under such disparate circumstances', as the shooter's sentence was reduced to life imprisonment on appeal.

  • The crime occurred in 1991.
  • Burton was set to be executed this week.

The players

Kay Ivey

The Republican governor of Alabama who commuted Burton's death sentence.

Charles 'Sonny' Burton

A 75-year-old inmate whose death sentence was commuted by the governor.

Doug Battle

The victim who was killed during the 1991 robbery.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton under such disparate circumstances. I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not.”

— Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama (ksgf.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and inconsistencies in the application of the death penalty, particularly when there are disparities in sentencing between accomplices in a crime. It raises important questions about the fairness and consistency of capital punishment.