The following is an editorial submission from the attorney representing Charles “Sonny” Burton, an Alabama death row inmate recently granted clemency by Governor Kay Ivey.
Statement from Mr. Charles “Sonny” Burton by his attorney:
First, it is most appropriate that I issue a statement of gratitude from Sonny Burton directly from his lips to those of his attorney not more than 30 minutes ago. Regarding Governor Ivey and her decision to grant him mercy and commute his sentence to life without parole: “She has proven to the people of Alabama, and the world, that she is a responsible Governor. And I thank her. 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.
Indeed, by her decision today, Governor Ivey exercised one of her most important executive powers appropriately, and with wisdom. Governors of other States, even those also strongly in favor of capital punishment generally, such as Texas Governors Greg Abbott and Rick Perry, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, have shown similar wisdom in granting clemency in similar situations, where the lesser culpable offender was facing execution, but the more culpable was spared that fate. There is no question that this was a tragedy, more than anything for the family of the innocent victim in this case, Mr. Doug Battle, who lost his life. The forgiveness and reconciliation that has been offered means more to him even than today’s commutation.
Governor Ivey’s decision is to be applauded, as it demonstrates measured, responsible, and respectable, leadership. Though a ‘thank you,’ indeed falls short of the level of gratitude the parties wish to express, Sonny Burton, his family, his friends, his legal team, and all those who have supported Sonny’s request for clemency thank you, Governor Ivey. By halting what would have been, even by the Attorney General’s prior admission, an “arguably unjust” execution, today’s grant of clemency strengthens, rather than weakens, public trust in our system of justice. The executive clemency power was created for situations exactly like these: where a disproportionately unjust result has slipped through the cracks. We again thank and commend Governor Ivey for, like other responsible Governors facing similar unjust results, acting appropriately, mercifully, and with a wisdom of which the people of Alabama can be proud.
Matt Schulz
Attorney for Mr. Charles “Sonny” Burton
Assistant Federal Defender
Editor’s Note: This article contains the opinions and words solely of the author and may not represent those of the Bibb Voice or Centreville Press.
