13-02-2025
State senators file new bill to repeal death penalty in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — During Thursday's general assembly session, three state senators introduced SB 94 with a short, direct title: Repeal Death Penalty.
Senators Natalie S. Murdock (D-District 20), Julie Mayfield (D-District 49), Graig Meyer (D-District 23) and Sophia Chitlik (D-District 22) submitted the bill, which looks to revise language in the state's law about capital punishment — changing terms and phrase such as 'sentence of death' or 'punishable by death' to 'punishment' or just 'sentencing.'
Johnston County judge finds death sentences influenced by racial discrimination: Court Documents
Below is the drafted and filed Senate Bill 94, in full:
NC Senate Bill 94Download
Just a week ago, a judge in Johnston County ruled against a death penalty sentencing, citing racial discrimination of a jury. CBS 17 previously reported that Superior Court Judge Wayland Sermons found that Hasson Bacote was wrongfully sentenced to death, after being convicted of murder, with race playing a significant role in the sentencing decision.
Gov. Cooper commutes 15 death sentences on last day as North Carolina governor
Additionally, former Governor Roy Cooper granted clemency to 15 people on death row during his last day in office in North Carolina. Those people will now serve life without parole.
There are still 121 people who are convicted of a crime facing the death penalty in North Carolina. The state has also been in a moratorium since 2006, meaning there have been no executions in the past 19 years.
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