Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama, known for her support of capital punishment, made a surprising decision to commute the death sentence of an intellectually disabled man, Robin “Rocky” Myers, convicted of murder. Ivey stated that there wasn’t enough evidence to support his execution, but also not enough evidence to prove his innocence.
Prosecutors claimed that Myers stabbed two people in 1991, resulting in the death of Ludie Mae Tucker, before leaving with a VHS machine he later traded for crack cocaine. Despite a jury recommendation of a life sentence, a state judge sentenced him to death.
Ivey acknowledged her doubts about the case, citing the lack of physical evidence connecting Myers to the crime scene. While she remains a firm believer in the death penalty for serious crimes, this particular case prompted her to make an exception.
Federal public defender Kacey Keeton, representing Myers, expressed gratitude for the decision, stating that Myers can now live without the fear of a death sentence. The attorney thanked all those who supported the petition for commutation and lauded Gov. Ivey for her difficult decision.
The governor admitted that this was one of the most challenging choices she has had to make during her term. The commutation of Myers’ sentence marks a rare departure from Ivey’s stance on capital punishment and has brought relief to many involved in the case.
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