Sheriff Pushes To Reinstate Death Penalty

[Judi Lynn]

Source: K.O.A.T.

Sheriff Pushes To Reinstate Death Penalty
POSTED: 4:19 pm MDT April 6, 2009
UPDATED: 5:46 pm MDT April 6, 2009

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White is fighting to bring the death penalty back to New Mexico.

White said Gov. Bill Richardson made a huge mistake by signing a law to ban capital punishment, and he's starting a campaign to repeal the governor's decision.

A new television ad, supported by White, is airing across New Mexico. It lashes out at the governor and lawmakers for repealing the death penalty.

"I was very angry when this bill was passed and signed by the governor," White said. "I woke up the next day and said I need to turn that anger into action."

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/19110110/detail.html

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. the taxpayers will send the Sheriff the bill

doesn't the Sheriff know that it's more costly to execute criminals.

[customerserviceguy]

11. If they didn't have twenty-five years of appeals

it might not be.

You've caught me on a bad day, they just found Sandra Cantu's body...

[47of74]

2. Is this another Sheriff Joke wannabe?

Or is this someone who has a reelection right around the corner and figures the only way to get reelected is to out thug the other guy?

[LearnedHand]

6. He ran for Republican representative Heather Wilson's seat this last fall

And was SOUNDLY defeated by Martin Heinrich, (D) New Mexico, District 3. He's a very popular sheriff here, for some reason, but he was defeated at the polls. I think he's just grabbing at straws to keep himself in the public spotlight in anticipation for next year's House race.

:puke:

[47of74]

9. Sure sounds like it to me.

[MrSlayer]

3. They never used it anyway.

I agree with the Sheriff but New Mexico hasn't executed anyone since 1960. Bringing it back doesn't mean justice is going to be served. He should probably just get over it.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Judge plans more reviews before making death penalty decision

Judge plans more reviews before making death penalty decision
Prosecutors seek option for men accused of killing Roosevelt County rancher in 2005
Monday, Apr 6 2009, 4:50 pm
By Argen Duncan: Freedom New Mexico

A district court judge plans to review more evidence and listen to closing arguments before making a decision on whether there is sufficient evidence for prosecutors to seek the death penalty against a Roosevelt County farmer.

In a district court hearing Monday in Portales, Judge Drew Tatum listened to arguments from District Attorney Matt Chandler and defense attorney Gary Mitchell about accusations that William “Billy Joe” Watson, 44, hired a prospective member of the Aryan Brotherhood to kill county resident Jimmy Bo Chunn in 2005. The hearing, originally set for Wednesday and Thursday, was rescheduled to begin Monday.

Chunn, 71, was shot in the head in his home around July 4, 2005. Roosevelt County resident Donald Taylor is accused of pulling the trigger.

Murder for hire was a qualifying factor for the death penalty. Despite the recent repeal of the death penalty in New Mexico, Watson could still face execution because of a grandfather clause that allows the punishment for crimes committed before July 1.

More:
http://www.cnjonline.com/news/district_33215___article.html/judge_court.html
(my emphasis)

[LiberalFighter]

5. I support bringing the death penalty back if Sheriff Darren White is the first recipient.

[LearnedHand]

7. {{ snort }} That's HILARIOUS!

I'm against the death penalty, but I'm FOR your statement.

:toast:

[gratuitous]

8. I hope he's not doing it on the County dime

I wonder if there's any folks contemplating a run for Bernalillo County Sheriff who might wonder about the incumbent's priorities?

[truthisfreedom]

10. Temper, temper, sheriff!

Sounds like a little anger management is in order.