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Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that she has commuted the death sentence of Charles L. ‘Sonny’ Burton to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Burton was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1991 capital murder of Doug Battle in Talladega, Alabama.
As required by state law, Governor Ivey said she first contacted a representative of Battle’s family before making her decision. She also notified the Alabama attorney general.
A letter from Governor Ivey to Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm regarding the commutation is below.
Governor Ivey issued the following statement:
“I firmly believe that the death penalty is just punishment for society’s most heinous offenders, as shown by the 25 executions I have presided over as governor. In order to ensure the continued viability of the death penalty, however, I also believe that a government’s most consequential action must be administered fairly and proportionately.
“Doug Battle was brutally murdered by Derrick DeBruce while shopping in an auto parts store. But DeBruce was ultimately sentenced to life without parole. Charles Burton did not shoot the victim, did not direct the triggerman to shoot the victim and had already left the store by the time the shooting occurred. Yet Mr. Burton was set to be executed while DeBruce was allowed to live out his life in prison.
“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.
“To be clear, Mr. Burton will not be eligible for parole and will rightfully spend the remainder of his life behind bars for his role in the robbery that led to the murder of Doug Battle. He will now receive the same punishment as the triggerman.
“The murder of Doug Battle was a senseless and tragic crime, and this decision does not diminish the profound loss felt by the Battle family. I pray that they may find peace and closure.”
August 16, 1991 — Robbery and Murder
Charles “Sonny” Burton and several others robbed an AutoZone store in Talladega. During the robbery, customer Doug Battle was shot and killed by Derrick DeBruce. Burton did not fire the shot and had left the store before the shooting occurred.
1992 — Conviction and Death Sentence
Burton was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Derrick DeBruce was also sentenced to death.
1993–1994 — Appeals Upheld
Alabama appellate courts upheld Burton’s conviction and death sentence.
2014–2015 — Shooter Resentenced
Derrick DeBruce’s death sentence was overturned on appeal, and he was resentenced to life without parole. Burton’s death sentence remained in place.
January 2026 — Execution Warrant Authorized
The Alabama Supreme Court authorized setting an execution date for Burton.
February 2026 — Execution Scheduled
Governor Kay Ivey set Burton’s execution for March 12, 2026.
Early March 2026 — Clemency Efforts
Several jurors from Burton’s trial, along with members of the victim’s family, urged Governor Ivey to grant clemency, citing sentencing disparity between Burton and the shooter.
March 2026 — Sentence Commuted
Governor Kay Ivey commuted Burton’s death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, citing fairness and proportionality concerns because the triggerman received life without parole.
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