Rep. Sewell Statement on Alabama's Scheduled Execution of Jeffery Lee

Montgomery, AL - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding Alabama's scheduled execution of Jeffery Lee:

"Jeffery Lee's crimes are heinous and inexcusable. My heart remains with the families of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson who have endured decades of unimaginable grief. I believe that Mr. Lee deserves to be held fully accountable for his actions. I am also deeply troubled by Alabama's decision to proceed with his execution for several reasons.

"A jury of Mr. Lee's peers sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Despite the jury's careful review of numerous factors, their recommendation was overridden by a judge-a practice that was rightfully abolished by Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature in 2017. Today, Alabama seeks to carry out a death sentence that a jury did not impose and would be illegal under current law.

"I am also concerned by the significant and unresolved legal questions surrounding Alabama's method of execution. Just this week, the Eleventh Circuit recognized serious constitutional concerns over the use of nitrogen gas to suffocate prisoners. Courts are now in the process of considering alternative methods. Before such questions are resolved, it is difficult to justify proceeding with an irreversible punishment.

"For these reasons, I urge Governor Ivey to commute Mr. Lee's sentence to life without parole, consistent with the jury's original recommendation. At a minimum, I respectfully ask the Governor to pause this scheduled execution until the pending litigation has run its course. To proceed risks undermining public confidence in our criminal justice system and creating the appearance that Alabama is rushing a process that demands the utmost care, transparency, and scrutiny.

"I recognize that reasonable people hold differing views on capital punishment. However, every Alabamian should agree that the administration of justice must be fair, deliberate, and beyond reproach. Justice requires accountability. It also requires fairness. In a matter of life and death, we must ensure that both are served."