The Department of Justice announced plans to resume the death penalty – an action at odds with Governor Jared Polis’ stance on capital punishment. Attorney General William Barr announced five child murderers now scheduled for execution.
You may also remember former Governor John Hickenlooper stayed the execution of Nathan Dunlap in 2013. Dunlap killed four people in a shooting at an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese in 1993.
But, Hickenlooper is old news, and likely on his way out as a politician. His presidential campaign is flunking, and he refuses to enter into the U.S. Senate race where he might be more successful.
Death Penalty In Colorado
On the other hand, Polis stated he would commute sentences if legislators passed a bill to abolish the death penalty.
“If the state, Republicans and Democrats, were to say, and I were to sign, a bill that said we no longer have the death penalty in Colorado … I would certainly take that as a strong indication that those who are currently on death row should have their sentences commuted to life in prison,” Polis said.
Governor Jared Polis speaking to CPR about the death penalty in Colorado
Well, due to pushback by victims and lack of support by Democrats, Senate Bill 182 never left the Senate. Lawmakers laid it over until the day after the 2019 legislative session.
According to “Repeal The Death Penalty” sponsor, Angela Williams (D-Denver), it will be back in 2020:
Is it a “barbaric piece of legislation”?
Sure, there are arguments to be made against capital punishment. Court costs when seeking the death penalty are incredibly expensive. Instances of wrongful convictions also plague the debate. But, we find it hard to believe the majority of Coloradans support an outright ban on capital punishment.
So, what is more barbaric, the death penalty, or legally convicted killers who show little to no remorse for their actions?
With Williams and Polis leading the charge to abolish the death penalty, Coloradans will debate this for years to come.
Please share!
Remember to check back with the Colorado Citizen Press. We’re always looking for good stories. Please use our “Citizen Tip Line” early and often. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@COCitizenPress)!
“Repeal the death sentence” eh ANgela and Polis? How about commuting the death sentences of the tens of millions of babies slaughtered by PP, you hypocrites?
Polis is just another Liberal self serving Anti American that believes he is smarter and more important then his constituents Typical of todays Democrats who only believe in themselves
Polis has has zero authority over federal executions.
Polis thinks he is smarter then his constituents and only believes in his own self-serving Liberal Ideas He is probably going to be the worst Governor that Colorado has had in years
The penalty of death is simply justice.
Overwhelming evidence of guilt requires justice.