Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, is facing execution in Alabama despite never killing anyone. His death sentence stems from felony murder laws, which hold individuals involved in a felony equally responsible for any deaths that occur during the crime. In 1991, during a robbery at an AutoZone, a customer was shot and killed by one of Burton’s accomplices. Although Burton entered the store with a gun and stole cash, he left before the murder occurred.
Burton has consistently denied being the mastermind of the robbery, claiming he did not expect violence. The actual shooter, Derrick DeBruce, initially received a death sentence but later had it commuted to life in prison due to ineffective legal representation. Over the years, even some jurors from Burton’s trial have expressed regret over their decision, arguing that a death sentence is excessive for someone who didn’t pull the trigger.
With little chance of clemency from Governor Kay Ivey, Burton is slated to become the ninth person executed by nitrogen gas in Alabama, a method that has faced scrutiny for its inhumane duration. The felony murder rule has been widely criticized, with many cases like Burton’s raising questions about justice and responsibility. Despite his grim situation, Burton remains hopeful for intervention.
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