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In a groundbreaking move, Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama, a staunch advocate of the death penalty, made the decision to commute the death sentence of a man with intellectual disabilities who had been convicted of murder. This decision was announced on Friday, with Gov. Ivey stating that there was insufficient evidence to support the execution of Robin “Rocky” Myers, but also not enough evidence to exonerate him.
“I am not entirely convinced of Mr. Myers’ innocence, however, I am equally unconvinced of his guilt to the extent of endorsing his execution,” Governor Ivey conveyed in a released statement.
Prosecutors asserted that on October 4, 1991, Myers entered a residence in Decatur, where he allegedly stabbed two individuals, resulting in the death of Ludie Mae Tucker. He was said to have then taken a VHS machine from the scene, which he later exchanged for crack cocaine. Despite the victims, including Tucker before her demise, failing to positively identify Myers, law enforcement authorities did not accept his explanation that he had merely found the VHS machine, as reported by the Death Penalty Information Center. Although a jury had recommended a life sentence for Myers, a state judge ultimately sentenced him to death.
Governor Ivey, in her announcement, expressed uncertainties regarding the case, highlighting the lack of discovery of a murder weapon, absence of fingerprint evidence implicating Myers, and the absence of DNA or physical evidence connecting him to the crime scene.
“During my tenure as governor, I have overseen 22 executions, and I remain steadfast in my belief that the death penalty serves as appropriate punishment for the gravest crimes in society,” Gov. Ivey stated.
This decision marked a rare departure from Gov. Ivey’s usual stance on capital punishment. “This has been one of the most challenging decisions I have had to make as governor,” she revealed.
Federal public defender Kacey Keeton, who represented Myers and facilitated his plea for clemency, expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s action. “There are hardly enough words to convey the relief, joy, and gratitude felt upon learning of Governor Ivey’s decision to commute Mr. Myers’ sentence,” Keeton stated in a released declaration. Myers, Keeton further added, can now live without the burden of a death sentence. The attorney extended gratitude to all those who had supported the plea and expressed sincere thanks to Governor Ivey for her resolution. “Our thoughts are with Mrs. Tucker’s family during this time,” Keeton concluded.
