North Carolina Governor Commutes Death Sentences of 15 Inmates

News Summary

In a historic decision on his final day in office, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to life without parole. This move, the largest in North Carolina’s clemency history, has sparked debate and approval among various advocacy groups. The decision comes after thorough reviews by state offices, highlighting the governor’s commitment to addressing issues of racial bias and justice reform in capital punishment cases. Alongside these commutations, Cooper granted pardons and further clemency actions, reinforcing a shift in the state’s approach to capital punishment.

North Carolina Governor Makes History by Commuting Death Sentences of 15 Inmates

RALEIGH, N.C. – In a groundbreaking move on his final day in office, Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentences of 15 death row inmates. On December 31, 2024, he made this historic decision, effectively breaking records in the clemency history of North Carolina. It is a powerful step that has left many supporters cheering and others debating the implications.

Making Tough Choices

Governor Cooper’s decision to commute these sentences wasn’t made lightly. His administration carried out thorough reviews through the Office of Executive Clemency and the Office of General Counsel to ensure careful consideration, taking into account a variety of factors. This included looking at the specifics of each crime, seeking input from prosecutors and the families of victims, and evaluating the behavior of the inmates while behind bars. It’s a meticulous approach taken with great seriousness, reflecting the gravity of the death penalty, which has not seen any executions in North Carolina since 2006.

Details on the Commuted Inmates

Out of 136 offenders previously on death row, Cooper’s office reviewed clemency petitions from 89. The 15 inmates whose sentences were commuted to life without parole include:

Hasson Bacote, 38, convicted in Johnston County in 2009.
Iziah Barden, 67, convicted in Sampson County in 1999.
Nathan Bowie, 53, convicted in Catawba County in 1993.
Rayford Burke, 66, convicted in Iredell County in 1993.
Elrico Fowler, 49, convicted in Mecklenburg County in 1997.
Cerron Hooks, 46, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000.
Guy LeGrande, 65, convicted in Stanly County in 1996.
James Little, 38, convicted in Forsyth County in 2008.
Robbie Locklear, 52, convicted in Robeson County in 1996.
Lawrence Peterson, 55, convicted in Richmond County in 1996.
William Robinson, 41, convicted in Stanly County in 2011.
Christopher Roseboro, 60, convicted in Gaston County in 1997.
Darrell Strickland, 66, convicted in Union County in 1995.
Timothy White, 47, convicted in Forsyth County in 2000.
Vincent Wooten, 52, convicted in Pitt County in 1994.

Additional Clemency Actions

In addition to these significant commutations, Cooper granted two more commutations to non-death row inmates. Brian Fuller, 54, who served 27 years for two counts of second-degree murder, and Joseph Bromfield, 63, who completed 34 years for two counts of first-degree murder, are now both eligible for parole. This will be subject to review by the N.C. Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

Recognition Through Pardons

The Governor also pardoned two individuals: Brandon Wallace, 43, who, after being convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and marijuana, has gone on to become a law graduate and the president of his county’s Bar Association, and John “Jack” Campbell, 63, who has steered clear of crime since being convicted of selling cocaine in 1984 and now runs a small business.

Community Response

In the wake of these clemency actions, various organizations expressed their approval. The ACLU of North Carolina praised the decisions as a step towards addressing injustices related to the death penalty, seen as racially biased and unfair. Similarly, the Center for Death Penalty Litigation expressed gratitude, noting that a substantial number of the commuted cases involved their clients.

A Call for Continued Action

Advocates for criminal justice reform are urging Governor Cooper to continue his work in addressing the cases of inmates on death row. Ongoing conversations about issues like racial bias and severe mental illness in capital cases remain ever relevant. The recent actions align with a larger trend observed among Democratic leaders, including federal actions by various entities to address critical justice reforms.

As North Carolina’s death row is among the largest in the nation, with 121 individuals currently awaiting execution, these decisions may signal a broader shift in how the state approaches capital punishment and justice as a whole. Governor Cooper has made quite a mark, leaving significant discussions in his wake, and it will be interesting to see where these conversations lead in the coming years.