A Man Sentenced to Die

Twenty-seven states allow executions of "non-triggermen" – people who participate in a felony that led to someone's death, even if they didn't carry out the killing themselves. Alabama is one of those states, and Charles "Sonny" Burton is one of those men sentenced to die. 

Charles Burton never killed anyone. He never arranged for anyone to die, a fact acknowledged by the state. The identity of the triggerman, Derrick DeBruce, was never in dispute and DeBruce - initially sentenced to death - had his sentence commuted to life without parole, while Mr. Burton remains on death row for more than 30 years.

Mr. Burton's case can only be described as a series of legal injustices by his former counsel, from a lack of presentation of mitigating evidence to the court to the lack of representation of African-Americans on Mr. Burton's jury. 

With no further appellate process available to him, Mr. Burton is subject to receive an execution date at any time.

Sonny is a father, a brother, a friend, and a son. He’s a man of faith, committed to helping people he connects with stay off the path he’s walked. Sent to live with his abusive father at a young age, Sonny has known heartbreak. His wife was brutally murdered while he was in prison – and her killer has since been paroled. Sonny’s family wants nothing more than for him to come home. This may not be possibility – however for those who hope for Sonny’s release, the first step is clemency.

You can help. Please share Sonny’s story, sign his clemency petition, follow his story on social media and join Team Sonny to amplify his story and his campaign for clemency.

Sonny’s artwork - a birthday card to one of his many penpals.