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riversedge

(80,559 posts)

1. ..Burton's death sentence was possible because of a legal doctrine known as felony murder,

Reply to ruet (Original post)

Tue Mar 10, 2026, 01:30 PM

Tuesday

The murder occurred 25 years ago. Burton--now 75 years old, has been punished--and will continue to be in jail until he dies. Even the victim's daughter asked for leniency. I think the Gov did the right thing.

..........Burton’s death sentence was possible because of a legal doctrine known as felony murder, which allows prosecutors to treat anyone involved in certain felonies, such as robbery or burglary, equally responsible for a killing that occurs during the crime, even if they did not commit the act themselves. Ivey had faced a growing chorus of voices asking for mercy for Burton, 75, including the victim's daughter.

Charles "Sonny" Burton.
https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-560w,f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/rockcms/2026-03/260310-Charles-sonny-Burton-ew-1157a-57cae5.jpg

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marble falls LeftInTX

24 replies

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Highlight:

Alabama Governor Commutes Death Sentence of Man Who Didn't Kill Anyone [View all] ruet Tuesday OP

..Burton's death sentence was possible because of a legal doctrine known as felony murder, riversedge Tuesday #1

I understand felony murder, Miguelito Loveless Tuesday #7

Even to the point of being held responsible for deaths of accomplices by police. marble falls Tuesday #11

It's an unfair law. LeftInTX Tuesday #13

"I cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton" twodogsbarking Tuesday #2

But she is OK with burying him in the hole. marble falls Tuesday #10

She actually did something right question everything Tuesday #3

Good MustLoveBeagles Tuesday #4

The death penalty in and of itself is an abomination and not a deterrent. Moostache Tuesday #5

and life without parole is a chickenshit form of capital punishment. marble falls Tuesday #9

A life sentence without parole is less costly to society than capital punishment is. summer_in_TX Tuesday #14

Now let's factor in some integrity, ethics, morality, humanity ... marble falls Tuesday #17

Not able to discern whether you support or oppose summer_in_TX Tuesday #21

Do not for a second think I support the death penalty in any sort of fashion for anyone in any situation PERIOD. ... marble falls Tuesday #22

Of course those murders who went and sinned no more should be considered. summer_in_TX Tuesday #23

Sometimes life without parole is necessary though Polybius Tuesday #24

I've always thought that was a good idea. But there's a reason for it, and it has nothing to do with justice. malthaussen Tuesday #15

Society changes and evolves its values. Eight year olds are no longer hung for stealing bread, which used to common ... marble falls Tuesday #18

Society changes and evolves its *laws*. Values take longer to evolve... malthaussen Tuesday #20

A Republican thinking timms139 Tuesday #6

Jebus must have had a talk with her, now parole him. marble falls Tuesday #8

I'm sure his race had nothing to do with his getting the death sentence. Pffftt! Living in Alabama might be considered a Wonder Why Tuesday #12

Jeezus, he wasn't even still there. He had left. WTF? Joinfortmill Tuesday #16

Good thing this wasn't Texas or Florida. Aristus Tuesday #19