Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 1.28.26
The Alabama Supreme Court has authorized the execution of Charles Lee “Sonny” Burton — who, according to his attorneys, now primarily uses a wheelchair.
“Charles “Sonny” Burton is a light in this world, and we’re debuting a film screening on his case for clemency. Join us for the film screening today, followed by a reception and Q&A with Mr. Burton’s family and Legal Team immediately following. This event is FREE and open to the public with complimentary light refreshments. Concessions are also available for purchase.5:30pm | DOORS OPEN 6:00pm | SCREENING Capri Theater, Montgomery 1.28. 26”. Supporters of clemency are encouraged to contact the governor’s office to express opposition to the execution. Gov. Ivey’s office can be reached at 334-242-7100.
In addition to the op-ed by the murder victim’s daughter asking the State not to kill Charles Lee “Sonny Burton” there is an op-ed by one of the jurors. “In 1992, I served on a jury in Alabama and helped sentence a Black man to death. That man is Charles “Sonny” Burton. More than three decades later, I live with that decision every day.”
The men have completed work on an online issue for Tacenda Magazine with the title “The Impact of an Execution.” We will let you know once it is published.
“ TACENDA: n. (pronounced ta’KEN’da) ‘things better left unsaid’ I started Tacenda (then Tacenda Literary Magazine) in 2006 to offer a voice to persons affected by prisons, starting with current and former prisoners and moving on to consider students and others whose work explored the lived experience of incarceration. —Professor Robert Johnson, Founder and Publisher There are precious few places where those directly impacted by mass incarceration can share their writings with the world while also receiving mentorship through the editorial process. I am proud that Tacenda is one of those places. —Professor Katie Owens-Murphy, Editor-in-Chief” Additionally, the students will be discussing their work on this issue on a launch event we will be holding on Microsoft Teams this upcoming Thursday at 5 pm CST, if you would like to join them! Here is the join link for that: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MmE3YzM1NjctYTU0NC00NmRkLTkwODYtNzQzNjdmMjc0MGFl%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2273cb9dd5-449e-4254-86bd-7a021f80446d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eada5efe-59fb-4e65-a637-8acdb69130b2%22%7d
From our Amnesty International supporter in south Wales Frank Brehany “The Death Penalty and the curious case of DNA & Confessions” explores the case of Chris Barbour. The latest development is that “Alabama is asking a federal appellate court to stop the new trial for a man who has spent more than 30 years on death row for a crime that DNA doesn’t tie him to. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office asked the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals late Friday night to overturn a lower court’s ruling that Christopher Barbour deserved a new trial. The federal judge who made the ruling said if tried today, a jury likely wouldn’t convict Barbour.”
We thank all who are working so hard and diligently to stop all killing in Alabama! And as always in closing, we thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. Stay safe and be kind to each other.
Esther
