Attorney General Steve Marshall Criticizes Governor Ivey's Commutation of Charles Burton's Death Sentence

March 10, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall sharply criticized Governor Kay Ivey's decision to commute the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton, calling the move a grave mistake that undermines decades of legal precedent and the expectations of justice for victims.

Governor Ivey announced the commutation earlier today, stating that her decision was based on what she described as "careful consideration of the totality of circumstances." In her statement, she said, "While the crime committed was undeniably serious, I believe that commuting Mr. Burton's sentence to life imprisonment without parole is the appropriate course at this time."

Marshall responded within hours, expressing deep disappointment and reaffirming his belief that Burton's original sentence was both lawful and deserved. "I am deeply disappointed to learn that Governor Ivey has commuted the death sentence of Charles Burton," Marshall said. "Burton is not the harmless, elderly figure some have tried to portray. He is a murderer who orchestrated an armed robbery, held a gun to the store manager's head, and then divided the proceeds after Douglas Battle-a veteran and innocent Alabamian-was dead."

Burton's case has long been cited as a clear example of Alabama's accomplice‑liability doctrine, which holds participants in violent felonies responsible for resulting deaths. Marshall emphasized that point, noting that every court to review the case over more than three decades upheld Burton's conviction and sentence. "There has never been any doubt that Charles Burton has Douglas Battle's blood on his hands," he said.

The Attorney General also rejected the notion that Burton's age should have influenced the outcome. "Burton does not deserve special treatment because he is old," Marshall argued. "He could have been executed years ago, but like many death‑row inmates, he chose to drag out his case through endless frivolous appeals. The jury's verdict was just, and it should have been carried out."

Governor Ivey, in her announcement, acknowledged the sensitivity of the decision. "These matters are never simple," she said. "My responsibility is to weigh justice, mercy, and the interests of the people of Alabama. I believe this commutation reflects that balance."

Marshall, however, warned that the decision risks eroding public trust. "I do not want today's result to cause Alabamians to lose faith in our justice system," he said. "For as long as I am Attorney General, I will not shy away from calling evil what it is, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that violence against innocent Alabamians is punished mightily and without hesitation."

The commutation marks a rare point of public disagreement between Alabama's top two statewide elected officials, and it is likely to spark continued debate about the role of executive clemency in capital cases.