Overview
- Burton, 75, was scheduled to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia on March 12 before Governor Kay Ivey halted it with a commutation.
- He was condemned under Alabama’s felony‑murder rule even though prosecutors acknowledged he did not fire the shot and had left the store.
- Victim’s daughter Tori Battle publicly urged mercy, arguing the state was poised to execute the wrong man.
- Attorney General Steve Marshall criticized the decision, saying Burton remains culpable for Doug Battle’s killing.
- The shooter, Derrick DeBruce, had his death sentence reduced to life in 2014 and died in prison in 2020, while Burton has admitted participating in the robbery.