“Gubernatorial Mercy: North Carolina’s Chief Executive Halves Death Row Population in Emotional Clemency Move”

**Governor Cooper Commutes Death Sentences of 15 Men on North Carolina’s Death Row**

In a significant move, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has commuted the death sentences of 15 men who were convicted of murder to life in prison without parole. This decision reduces the state’s death row population by over 10%, bringing the number of inmates facing capital punishment down to 121.

In a statement, Cooper explained that his decision was made after conducting a thorough review of the petitions filed by the defendants, as well as input from prosecutors and victims’ families. This move is seen as a historic act of clemency, with anti-death penalty groups praising Cooper’s efforts to address the failed death penalty system in North Carolina.

**A Brief History of the Death Penalty in North Carolina**

North Carolina is one of 27 states that have the death penalty as a criminal penalty, although five of those states have a current execution moratorium in place. While the state has not carried out an execution since 2006, the number of defendants sentenced to death has declined in recent years, with prosecutors having more leeway in state law to decide whether to pursue capital cases.

**Racial Bias and the Death Penalty**

Interestingly, 13 of the 15 black men who were granted clemency have convictions dating from 1993 to 2011. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU) has long argued that the death penalty in North Carolina is racially biased, unjust, and immoral. Chantal Stevens, executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina, praised Cooper’s decision, stating that it paves the way for a new era of justice in the state.

**Notable Cases**

Several notable cases were included in the group of those whose sentences were commuted. Hasson Bacote, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2009 in Johnston County, has been challenging his death sentence under the 2009 Racial Justice Act. Another prisoner, Guy LeGrande, was initially set to be executed in 2006 but had his case temporarily suspended. Chris Roseboro, who was convicted of murder and rape in the 1992 slaying of a 72-year-old Gastonia woman, also received clemency.

**Impact of the Decision**

The decision to commute the death sentences of 15 men on North Carolina’s death row is an important step towards reforming the state’s justice system. This move is seen as a significant shift in the way the state approaches capital punishment, and it sets a precedent for future governors to take similar action.

**Frequently Asked Questions:**

1. **How many people are currently on death row in North Carolina?**
2. There are 121 people on death row in North Carolina, after 15 men were commuted to life in prison without parole.
3. **Why did Governor Cooper commute the sentences of 15 men on death row?**
4. Governor Cooper commuted the sentences after a thorough review of the petitions filed by the defendants and input from prosecutors and victims’ families.
5. **What was the reaction from anti-death penalty groups?**
6. Anti-death penalty groups praised Governor Cooper for his efforts to address the failed death penalty system in North Carolina, calling it a historic act of clemency.
7. **What is the significance of the Racial Justice Act in the case of Hasson Bacote?**
8. Bacote’s challenge under the Racial Justice Act is considered a test case, and the successful commutation of his sentence may pave the way for others in similar situations.

**Conclusion:**

The decision by Governor Cooper to commute the death sentences of 15 men on North Carolina’s death row marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to capital punishment. By reducing the number of inmates facing capital punishment, Cooper has taken steps towards reforming the state’s justice system, and his decision sets a precedent for future governors to take similar action.