Alabama Governor Grants Clemency to Man Convicted in 1991 Robbery Murder

Charles 'Sonny' Burton's death sentence commuted to life in prison without parole

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of 75-year-old Charles 'Sonny' Burton, who was convicted of capital murder for his role in a 1991 robbery that resulted in the death of Doug Battle. While Burton was present during the robbery, he did not personally kill Battle, as the actual shooter, Derrick DeBruce, had his death sentence overturned and was resentenced to life in prison. Ivey cited the disparity in sentences between the two men as the reason for granting clemency to Burton.

Why it matters

The governor's decision to grant clemency to Burton, despite his conviction, highlights the complex issues surrounding accomplice liability and the death penalty. It raises questions about whether it is just to execute an individual who did not directly cause the victim's death, especially when the actual shooter received a lesser sentence.

The details

In the 1991 incident, Burton and DeBruce were convicted of capital murder for the shooting death of Doug Battle during a robbery at an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama. While Burton was present during the robbery and had stated he would 'take care of' any trouble, he had left the store before DeBruce shot and killed Battle. DeBruce's death sentence was later overturned on appeal due to ineffective counsel, and he was resentenced to life in prison. Ivey cited the disparity in sentences as the reason for commuting Burton's death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

  • The shooting occurred on August 16, 1991, during a robbery at an AutoZone auto parts store in Talladega.
  • Burton and DeBruce were both convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in 1992.
  • DeBruce's death sentence was overturned on appeal, and he was resentenced to life in prison.
  • On March 10, 2026, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commuted Burton's death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, two days before his scheduled execution.

The players

Charles 'Sonny' Burton

A 75-year-old man who was convicted of capital murder for his role in a 1991 robbery that resulted in the death of Doug Battle, but did not personally kill the victim.

Derrick DeBruce

The man who actually shot and killed Doug Battle during the 1991 robbery, and had his death sentence overturned and was resentenced to life in prison.

Doug Battle

A 34-year-old Army veteran and father of four who was shot and killed after entering the AutoZone store during the 1991 robbery.

Kay Ivey

The Republican governor of Alabama who commuted Charles 'Sonny' Burton's death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Steve Marshall

The Alabama Attorney General who expressed disappointment in Governor Ivey's decision to grant clemency to Burton.

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What they’re saying

“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

“There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle's blood on his hands.”

— Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General

“By commuting the death sentence of Charles 'Sonny' Burton, she ensured that justice — not technicalities — guides the most serious decision a state can make.”

— Alice Marie Johnson (Social media)

What’s next

Burton will be moved off of Alabama's death row, where he has been imprisoned since 1992, and will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding accomplice liability and the death penalty, and whether it is just to execute an individual who did not directly cause the victim's death, especially when the actual shooter received a lesser sentence. It also demonstrates the role of gubernatorial clemency in addressing perceived disparities in the criminal justice system.