Ivey, a Republican, said her decision "is not a determination of innocence." It is her third commutation, after Charles "Sonny" Burton's in March, against 27 executions. Both the current district attorney and the original prosecutor back a new trial.
Why the case drew doubt
- The key prosecution witness was paid a reward (NYT, NBC).
- More than 10 witnesses placed Johnson across town at the time of the killing (Guardian only).
- DA Danny Carr said in 2024 the evidence "has unraveled over 20 years."