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Alabama Schedules Execution Amid Claims of Innocence

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The state of Alabama scheduled the execution of Charles "Sonny" Burton, 75, for March 12, 2026.
Burton claims innocence in the 1991 murder of Doug Battle, noting he did not fire and was outside the store.
Derrick DeBruce, the co-defendant who shot Battle, received a life sentence.
Battle's daughter and jurors urge clemency; the Alabama Attorney General's Office opposes, citing Burton's conviction and the jury's unanimous death-penalty recommendation.

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Story summary

The state of Alabama scheduled the execution of Charles "Sonny" Burton, 75, for March 12, 2026.
Burton claims innocence in the 1991 murder of Doug Battle, noting he did not fire and was outside the store.
Derrick DeBruce, the co-defendant who shot Battle, received a life sentence.
Battle's daughter and jurors urge clemency; the Alabama Attorney General's Office opposes, citing Burton's conviction and the jury's unanimous death-penalty recommendation.