Montgomery, AL - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on Governor Kay Ivey's decision to commute the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton:

"This is welcome news and the right and just thing to do. While the robbery that led to the death of Doug Battle was a tragic and horrific crime, we know that Sonny Burton was not the man who pulled the trigger. As the victim's daughter so eloquently argued, it would be unjust and immoral for the State of Alabama to execute Sonny Burton, especially when the man who pulled the trigger was allowed to live out his life in prison.

"I am grateful to the elected officials, faith leaders, civil rights activists, jurors, and others who advocated for this outcome, and I thank Governor Ivey for doing what is right."