Alabama Governor Commutes Death Sentence of Charles 'Sonny' Burton

Burton was involved in a 1991 robbery but did not kill the victim, unlike his co-defendant who received life in prison.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprising move, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton, who was scheduled to be executed on Thursday for his role in a 1991 robbery that resulted in a customer's death. Ivey cited the disparity in sentences between Burton and his co-defendant Derrick DeBruce, who actually pulled the trigger but received a life sentence, as the reason for her decision.

Why it matters

The commutation is seen as groundbreaking, as Gov. Ivey has rarely granted clemency in the past. It raises questions about the fairness of the death penalty, especially when co-defendants receive vastly different sentences for the same crime.

The details

Burton was one of six men involved in the 1991 robbery of an AutoZone store in Talladega, Alabama. During the robbery, another man, Derrick DeBruce, shot and killed customer Doug Battle. Burton had left the building before the shooting occurred. DeBruce was later resentenced to life without parole and died in prison, while Burton was scheduled to be executed despite never having killed anyone.

  • The robbery and murder occurred in 1991.
  • Burton was scheduled to be executed on Thursday, March 14, 2026.
  • Gov. Ivey commuted Burton's death sentence on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Charles "Sonny" Burton

A man involved in a 1991 robbery in Talladega, Alabama, who was sentenced to death despite not being the one who killed the victim.

Derrick DeBruce

The man who actually shot and killed the victim during the 1991 robbery, but was later resentenced to life in prison and died behind bars.

Gov. Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who commuted Burton's death sentence, citing the disparity in sentences between Burton and his co-defendant DeBruce.

Doug Battle

The customer who was killed during the 1991 robbery.

Tory Battle

The daughter of the victim, Doug Battle, who published an op-ed asking Gov. Ivey to spare Burton's life.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Gov. Kay Ivey (statenews.net)

“The commutation is groundbreaking because Gov. Ivey has not commuted many sentences at all. In fact, only one out of over 25 that have come before her, and this is just astounding and exciting that she heard the arguments presented to her from people.”

— Laura Porter, Executive Director, U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty (statenews.net)

“Just saying thank you doesn't seem like much. But it's what I can give her. And I do thank her. Thank you, Governor.”

— Charles "Sonny" Burton (statenews.net)

What’s next

The commutation means that Charles "Sonny" Burton will now serve a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, instead of being executed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and potential inequities of the death penalty, especially when co-defendants receive vastly different sentences for the same crime. Gov. Ivey's decision to commute Burton's sentence, despite his involvement in the robbery, reflects a growing recognition that the death penalty may not always be the most just or appropriate punishment.