Biden Commutes 37 Inmates’ Death Sentences, But Two Say No Thanks

Two inmates refuse Biden’s commutation, fearing it jeopardizes their innocence claims

Biden Commutes 37 Inmates’ Death Sentences, But Two Say No Thanks
Biden Commutes 37 Inmates’ Death Sentences, But Two Say No Thanks

Terre Haute: So, here’s the scoop. Two guys on death row just turned down President Biden’s offer to change their sentences to life in prison. Can you believe it?

Last month, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal inmates, which was a big win for those against the death penalty. But Shannon Agofsky and Len Davis, both locked up in Terre Haute, are saying, “No thanks.” They filed motions to keep their death sentences, claiming they’re still fighting to prove they didn’t do it.

Agofsky is worried that accepting the commutation could mess with his appeal. He pointed out that when you’re appealing a death sentence, the courts pay extra attention to the details. Losing that could really hurt his chances.

He said, “Commuting my sentence now would take away my protections and make things unfair.” It’s a pretty serious situation for him. Meanwhile, Davis thinks having a death sentence helps highlight what he calls misconduct by the Department of Justice.

He’s grateful for the court’s quick response to this tricky situation, saying the legal stuff around it is pretty confusing.

But getting their death sentences back might be tough. There’s a Supreme Court ruling from way back in 1927 that says the president can grant pardons without needing the convict’s okay.

Agofsky was convicted for the murder of a bank president in Oklahoma back in 1989. He and his brother were accused of kidnapping and killing the guy. His brother got life, but Shannon ended up on death row after a later crime.

He’s still trying to clear his name and insists he never asked for a commutation. His wife, Laura, mentioned that his lawyers suggested it, but he didn’t want to risk losing his legal support.

Davis, on the other hand, is a former cop from New Orleans who was convicted of murder in 1994. He’s always claimed he didn’t do it and argues that the federal court shouldn’t have even tried him.

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Mangesh Wakchaure is a talented writer who shares engaging and insightful content on topics ranging from politics to culture.