What to know about the Alabama man granted clemency two days before his execution

Associated Press (AP)EN 4 min read 100% complete by By KIM CHANDLERMarch 10, 2026 at 10:53 PM

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey granted clemency to Charles "Sonny" Burton on Tuesday, commuting his death sentence to life in prison without parole just two days before his scheduled execution. Burton, 75, was convicted of capital murder in the 1991 shooting death of Doug Battle during an AutoZone robbery in Talladega, Alabama. Although Derrick DeBruce fired the fatal shot, Burton was convicted because he allegedly led the robbery and stated he would handle any trouble. Battle, an Army veteran and father of four, was killed after entering the store during the robbery. Protesters had gathered urging Ivey to grant clemency.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Atmore 30% Talladega 30% AutoZone 30% Montgomery ×240% Holman Correctional Facility 40% Derrick DeBruce ×360% Doug Battle ×360% Kay Ivey ×270% Alabama ×480% Sonny Burton ×590%

Keywords

sonny burton 100% clemency 90% death row 80% capital murder 80% execution 70% life in prison without parole 60% robbery 60% alabama 50% doug battle 50% kay ivey 50%

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Associated Press (AP)

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sonny burton clemency death row capital murder execution life in prison without parole robbery alabama doug battle kay ivey

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