Davis Case Fuels Death Penalty Debate

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – The execution of Troy Davis this week has actually revived a debate in Georgia and the nation over the death penalty. Opponents believe the case will grow their numbers. However, death penalty supporters don't think the case should spur changes to Georgia's criminal justice system.

For more than 10 years, Sara Totonchi has fought to end the death penalty in Georgia. Totonchi, the Southern Center for Human Rights' executive director, drove to the prison where Davis and other death row inmates have died by lethal injection. Most of the time, she can count the number of people who come with her.

"We usually have 10 and 20 people at the prison in Jackson for each execution," said Totonchi.

But on Wednesday, Totonchi says, hundreds of people rallied outside the prison against Davis' execution.

"That sends such a strong message that Georgians are so concerned about the death penalty that is being carried out in their names," said Totonchi.
People who weren't outside the prison also felt the impact of the execution.

"I wasn't even alive when Davis was convicted of the murder of Mark McPhail," said Steen Kirby.

Kirby lives in Lilburn. The 15 year old home school student is also the political director for the group, High School Democrats of Georgia. Kirby can't vote yet but plans to concentrate more on the death penalty.

"I'm definitely going to focus more on that issue now when I evaluate the candidates and decide who I'm going to support," said Kirby.

Kirby may be part of a growing number of death penalty opponents. But Republican Wendell Willard, chairman of the State House Judiciary Committee, says they're still outnumbered.

"The vast majority of people in Georgia still hold to the belief that the death penalty is an appropriate punishment and deterrent to certain type crimes," said Willard.

The latest Gallup poll, which was national not statewide, says 64% of those surveyed favor the death penalty of a person convicted of murder.

"And the killing of a police officer is one of those that should bring about the death penalty if the person has been proven guilty," said Willard. "And you still leave it up to the jury to make that decision. It's not the court," said Willard.

However, activists like Georgia NAACP President Edward DuBose hopes interest in Davis' case will help energize people politically.

"2012 is an election year and we need to change the composition of Georgia's legislature," said DuBose.

Meanwhile, DuBose and others plan to lobby lawmakers to end the death penalty.