On Tuesday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reportedly commuted the death sentences of 15 brutal murderers to life in prison without parole. This was one of his final acts in office.
Cooper, who was prohibited from pursuing a third consecutive term, will yield to his fellow Democrat, Josh Stein, when Stein takes the oath of office on Wednesday.
Cooper, who served as the attorney general for 16 years, stated that his commutation decisions were made after a comprehensive examination of the petitions submitted by defendants and the input of prosecutors and victims’ families.
North Carolina had 136 individuals on death row prior to Tuesday. Cooper’s office reported that it had received clemency petitions from 89 of them.
“These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose. After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.” Cooper said.
North Carolina is one of 27 states that have the death penalty as a criminal punishment.
However, five of those states have presently suspended executions. An execution has not been conducted in North Carolina since 2006, despite the fact that it is not one of the five states in question.
In recent years, the number of defendants who have also been sentenced to death has decreased, as prosecutors have more discretion in state law to determine whether to pursue a capital case.
North Carolina maintains the fifth-largest death row in the nation, despite Tuesday’s decision.
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