North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to life without parole on New Year’s Eve, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to capital punishment.
At a Glance
- Governor Cooper commuted 15 death row sentences to life without parole
- The decision reduced North Carolina’s death row population from 136 to 121
- Cooper’s action is the most extensive use of clemency powers by a North Carolina Governor in the 21st century
- 14 of the 15 commuted inmates are people of color, highlighting racial disparities in death penalty cases
- North Carolina has not carried out an execution since 2006 due to ongoing legal challenges
Governor Cooper’s Decision
On the final day of 2024, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made a landmark decision to commute the death sentences of 15 inmates to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This move comes after years of advocacy and vigils outside the Governor’s mansion, calling for clemency for all death row inmates.
The Governor’s action reduced the state’s death row population by more than 10%, from 136 to 121 inmates. Cooper’s decision follows a national trend of granting clemency to death row inmates, despite a generally tougher stance on criminal justice issues under the Biden administration.
Outgoing North Carolina governor commutes 15 death row sentences https://t.co/6hvuo93AnF
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 1, 2025
Racial Disparities and Legal Challenges
The commutations highlight ongoing concerns about racial bias in the administration of the death penalty. Of the 15 inmates whose sentences were commuted, 14 are people of color.
“These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a statement. “After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.”
Among those whose sentences were commuted is Hasson Bacote, a lead plaintiff in a case challenging the legality of the death penalty based on racial bias. Bacote’s case presented evidence of racial discrimination in jury selection, which could potentially impact other death row cases.
Impact and Reactions
Cooper’s decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Advocates for reform view this as a crucial step toward addressing systemic biases and deficiencies associated with the death penalty. However, some may argue that this action undermines the justice system and disregards the victims’ families.
“This decision is a historic step towards ending the death penalty in North Carolina, but the fight for justice does not end here,” said Cassandra Stubbs, the Director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Capital Punishment Project. “We remain hopeful that the court will issue a ruling under the state’s Racial Justice Act in Mr. Bacote’s case that we can leverage for relief for the many others that still remain on death row.”
It’s important to note that North Carolina has not carried out an execution since 2006 due to ongoing legal challenges. However, executions could potentially resume if courts rule against these challenges.
Looking Ahead
While Cooper’s action is significant, North Carolina still maintains the fifth-largest death row population in the United States. Advocacy groups continue to push for further reforms and the eventual abolition of the death penalty in the state.
“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,” Noel Nickle stated.
