Alabama Governor Grants Clemency to Death Row Inmate Two Days Before Execution

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

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:18am

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has granted clemency to Charles 'Sonny' Burton, a man on death row who was scheduled to be executed on Thursday. Burton was convicted of capital murder for his role in a 1991 robbery that resulted in the death of Doug Battle, though he did not personally kill Battle. Ivey commuted Burton's death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, citing concerns that the triggerman in the case, Derrick DeBruce, had his death sentence overturned and was resentenced to life imprisonment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding accomplice liability and the death penalty, as well as the role of executive clemency in the criminal justice system. Ivey's decision to spare Burton's life, despite his involvement in the crime, has drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the ongoing debate around capital punishment and the equitable application of justice.

The details

Burton was convicted of capital murder for the 1991 shooting death of Doug Battle during a robbery at an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama. Though Burton did not personally shoot Battle, he was found guilty because he had stated that if anyone caused trouble in the store, he would 'take care of it.' The actual shooter, Derrick DeBruce, had his death sentence overturned on appeal and was later resentenced to life in prison. Ivey cited the disparity in sentences as a key factor in her decision to grant clemency to Burton.

  • On August 16, 1991, the robbery and shooting occurred at the AutoZone store.
  • In 1992, Burton was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.
  • On March 10, 2026, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey granted clemency to Burton, commuting his death sentence to life in prison without parole.
  • On March 12, 2026, Burton was scheduled to be executed before Ivey's clemency decision.

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, though he did not personally kill Battle.

Derrick DeBruce

The man who actually shot and killed Doug Battle during the 1991 robbery. DeBruce's death sentence was overturned on appeal and he was later 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 granted clemency to Charles 'Sonny' Burton, commuting his death sentence to life in prison without parole.

Steve Marshall

The Alabama Attorney General who expressed disappointment in Ivey's decision, stating that Burton organized the armed robbery that led to Battle's death.

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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 (ksgf.com)

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

— Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (ksgf.com)

“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 (ksgf.com)

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 ongoing debate around the death penalty, particularly in cases where the defendant may not have been the direct perpetrator of the crime. Governor Ivey's decision to grant clemency based on concerns about the disparity in sentences between the two co-defendants reflects the complex issues surrounding accomplice liability and the equitable application of justice.