North Carolina Governor commutes death row sentences

On 31 December 2024, North Carolina governor, Roy Cooper commuted the death sentences of 15 people to life in prison. This is the most significant step any North Carolina governor has taken to curtail the death penalty in that state in history. You can read the article here.

Noel Nickle, the coalition’s executive director said in a statement that: “this action is smaller than we asked for, but it is still a historic step by a North Carolina governor to address injustice in the death penalty. The 15 men granted clemency today include people affected by racism in their trials, people who were sentenced under outdated laws, and those who committed crimes at very young ages, among other inequities.”

Andre Smith, a member of NCCADP’s Family Engagement Group, which brings together families impacted by homicide and families of people on death row said that “this is a step that honours the lives of our family members.”

You can read the statement here.